The age at which people in England can claim a free bus pass is rising in line with the State Pension age this September, affecting those born between August 6 and September 5, 1960, who must now wait longer before becoming eligible under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
The free bus pass eligibility age will rise in tandem with the State Pension age this September. The State Pension age increase is being rolled out progressively until April 2028 for individuals born from April 16, 1960, onwards.
Through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, entitlement to a free bus pass is linked to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) age threshold. As the State Pension age climbs from 66 to 67, the age needed to secure a free national bus pass in England is climbing with it.
The sole exceptions are London residents aged 60 and above who can request a 60+ Oyster Photocard, offering free travel on buses, trams and TfL services, plus qualifying disabled residents of any adult age who continue to qualify for a local bus pass.
The Pensions Act 2014 sped up the rise in the State Pension age from 66 to 67. The Government has modified the timing of the increase, meaning individuals born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will qualify to claim the State Pension and concessionary bus passes when they reach 67.
The State Pension age stays at 66 for those born before April 6, 1960, while individuals born between this date and March 5, 1961, will have a State Pension age of 66 plus a certain number of months. Those born in late December 1960 will hit State Pension age at 66 years and nine months, reports the Express.
This September, individuals born between August 6, 1960, and September 5, 1960, are facing a delay in their bus pass entitlement, as they must wait until they reach 66 years and a specific number of months before becoming eligible.
A DfT spokesperson confirmed: “We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many older people, providing access to essential services and keeping people connected through free local travel.
“We’re already in the process of making ambitious reforms to improve bus services for all passengers and supporting local areas to improve reliability and affordability.”
They added: “Eligibility for an older person’s bus pass under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme is linked to State Pension age. This means eligibility will change in line with the increase in State Pension age from April.
“People born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will qualify at 66 plus a specified number of months, depending on their date of birth.”
They continued: “There is a tool to check the date people become eligible for a bus pass at Check your State Pension age – GOV.UK, by entering their date of birth.”
The DWP has outlined the following schedule for the state pension age rise:
- September 6, 1960 – October 5, 1960: 66 years and 6 months
- October 6, 1960 – November 5, 1960: 66 years and 7 months
- November 6, 1960 – December 5, 1960: 66 years and 8 months
- December 6, 1960 – January 5, 1961: 66 years and 9 months
- January 6, 1961 – February 5, 1961: 66 years and 10 months
- February 6, 1961 – March 5, 1961: 66 years and 11 months
- March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977: 67 years
Meanwhile, in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the regulations are distinct from the State Pension age. Free local bus passes continue to be available to all residents aged 60 and over.