Thousands call for major change to free bus pass rules for over 60s

Thousands across England are rallying for sweeping changes to the existing regulations governing eligibility for free bus passes.

Despite assurances last year from the Department for Transport, which insisted there were "absolutely no plans to withdraw the concessionary bus pass scheme" for senior citizens and those with disabilities, over 4,900 individuals have now backed a petition advocating an extension of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).

The campaign is driving for a system akin to Scotland's, where all persons aged 60 and above enjoy free bus travel. Spearheading the petition, Karen Hickman has slammed the current setup as "unjust" and is making a strong case for "equality for everyone over 60".

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She highlights the stark contrast faced by those living outside London in England who must wait until reaching 66 to access free bus travel - an age threshold she contends has "changed dramatically."

The call to reform is encapsulated in an online petition under the heading 'extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England', available on the official petitions-parliament website, reports the MEN.

With the threshold of 10,000 signatories, the issue will receive a Government response; at 100,000 signatures, it may be brought before Parliament for debate, as stated by the Daily Record.

The campaign for over 60s in England is gathering momentum, with a petition stating: "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."

Highlighting disparities in public transport benefits, it continued: "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."

The petition also contends that providing similar concessions as Scotland would constitute fair treatment across the UK. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme currently delineates between older residents and those with disabilities.

Contrasts arise within age-based eligibility, with Scots over 60 enjoying the perk irrespective of pension status - an entitlement not mirrored in England where it's governed by reaching the pensionable age. Notably, local authorities can impose their unique conditions on available travel amenities.

In a turn last December, the Labour Party was prodded to deliberate on the merits of enabling pensioners in the UK regions freedom of bus passage, prompting assessment from Transport Minister Simon Lightwood. Lightwood noted that travel schemes fall under regional authority, leading to varying scheme details across the divides.

He addressed the issue plainly: "There are no plans at present to introduce such an arrangement".

In Scotland, residents aged 60 and over can get their hands on the National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is overseen by the Scottish Government. This card doesn't just offer free bus travel within Scotland, but also provides discounted fares on trains, the subway, and ferries. The NEC, often known as 'Saltire cards', is valid for a period of up to three years.

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