Plans to lower the qualifying age for free bus travel in England and Wales have been backed by thousands of people, after a petition was launched earlier this year. The campaign, which has now surpassed the 10,000 signature mark, has triggered a response from Department for Transport (DfT) officials who cautioned against the move due to financial implications.

They pointed out that regions such as London and Merseyside already provide additional concessions for residents over 60, but expanding this nationwide could have a hefty price tag. Despite the fact that Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland offer free bus travel to those over 60, the petition, spearheaded by Karen Hickman, argues for equal treatment across England with the statement: "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.

"Campaigners are calling for free bus travel for the over-60s across England, bringing it in line with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as they believe people are driving less with age. They argue that the current system, where only Londoners get free travel from 60, is unfair and that a uniform approach is needed."

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

The DfT responded: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme costs around £700 million annually. Any changes to the statutory scheme must be carefully considered for their impact on its financial sustainability.

"The government wants everyone to have access to public transport and is committed to improving services. We also recognise the importance of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) in supporting local bus travel, assisting with access to essential local services and helping those who use it to stay active and avoid isolation.

"The ENCTS provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.

"Local authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by extending the age of eligibility for the older persons' bus pass. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area.

"At the Budget on 30 October, the government confirmed a £1 billion boost for buses, of which £712 million has been allocated to local authorities to support and improve bus services. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.

"Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area and as such, the eligibility age for the bus pass differs between the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. This means, in effect, that there are different schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the administrative arrangements are entirely separate."

In England some councils offer free travel for the over 60s but it is not universal. Merseytravel offers free travel on all buses, trains and Mersey Ferries river crossings for anyone aged 60 or over who lives in Merseyside.

Most local authorities, which are currently under great financial pressure, offer the statutory pass at 66. The petition, which can be , had more than 20,000 signatures at the time of publication.

At 100,000 it could be debated in Parliament.