At the moment people can only travel for free off-peak between 9.30am and 11pm, Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays
The government has said it is considering whether it might allow disabled people to hop on buses before 9.30am. Currently, those holding disabled concessionary passes must cough up usual fares during peak hours, depending on their location.
Disabled individuals who qualify can get a free bus pass for off-peak across England—strictly post-9.30am till 11 pm on weekdays, and all day during weekends and bank holidays. Advocates argue that the limitations are not only unfair but also impediments to disabled persons seeking employment or attempting to lead regular lives.
Now the government has said it has been reviewing concessionary travel in England is considering changes – including considering travel times for disabled passholders and is currently ‘considering next steps’.
Meanwhile, a campaign, complete with a petition lodged on the official parliamentary website, is calling for the perks enjoyed by over-60s in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – free travel passes immediately at 60 – to be extended to England too. In Englands up to local councils to fund the scheme, often leaving people waiting until they’re 66.
Labour’s Rachael Maskell posed a Parliamentary written question to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander asking: “If she will consider extending funding for disabled bus passes to include journeys made before 9.30am.”
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) Simon Lightwood made it clear in his recent response that the government is weighing up its options following a review that pondered over permitted travel times for disabled pass holders. He explained: “The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as extending the travel time criteria, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.”
Adding the details from the review, he said: “The government recently conducted a review of the ENCTS, which included considering travel times for disabled passholders and is currently considering next steps. Currently, local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as extending the travel time criteria for the ENCTS.
“The government has confirmed a whopping £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to boost and enhance bus services in England outside London. This includes a hefty £243 million for bus operators and a staggering £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority have been given a slice of this funding, amounting to £12.7 million. The funds given to local authorities to improve passenger services can be used at their discretion. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.”
A petition on the Parliament website is gaining momentum, with over 60s calling for free travel in England. It’s already garnered 53,000 signatures and is halfway to securing a Commons debate.
The petition reads: “We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60.
“Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
To view the petition click here.
To apply for a disabled person’s bus pass click here.
