UK Free Bus Pass Age to Rise from 60 to 67 – Major DfT Change Coming October 2025

The UK government has announced a significant change to free bus pass eligibility in England, set to take effect from October 2025.
Currently, residents can apply for a free bus pass at age 60, but under the new rules, eligibility will shift to match the State Pension age, which is gradually increasing to 67 by 2028.

This adjustment—confirmed by the Department for Transport (DfT)—marks one of the biggest public transport policy reforms in over a decade. The move aims to reduce financial pressure on transport budgets while maintaining long-term sustainability amid an ageing population.

Who Will Be Affected by the New Rules

The changes will directly affect residents in England, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will retain their existing bus pass systems, where free travel remains available from age 60.
Those who already hold a bus pass will not lose it — the new rules only apply to future applicants.

From 6 October 2025, anyone born after September 2025 will have to wait until they reach the State Pension age to become eligible for free bus travel.

Key Area	Details for 2025/26
New Eligibility Age	State Pension age (rising to 67)
Current Free Travel Age	60 (until October 2025)
Implementation Date	6 October 2025
Regions Affected	England only
London Exemption	60+ Oyster Card and Freedom Pass remain valid
Scotland/Wales/NI	Unchanged (eligibility still at 60)

Why the UK Government Is Making This Change

According to the DfT, the change is being introduced to “ensure financial viability” as more people reach retirement age.
Free bus travel currently costs local councils hundreds of millions of pounds annually, and demand is expected to increase as the population ages.

“The need to keep the concessionary travel scheme financially sustainable for future generations is crucial,” a DfT spokesperson said.
“Aligning eligibility with the State Pension age helps manage costs while still providing support to those who need it most.”

यह भी पढ़े:

UK Confirms End of State Pension Age 67 — Major Shake-Up to Retirement Rules Will Reshape Millions of Futures

This adjustment is also part of a wider pattern of cost-saving measures, including tighter local transport funding and reform of regional bus networks.

Historical Context – How Eligibility Has Changed Over Time

The age for free bus passes in England has shifted several times over the past two decades.

• Pre-2008: Free travel was generally available from age 65.
• 2008: The age was lowered to 60 to expand accessibility.
• 2025: The government is now raising eligibility back to the State Pension age, aligning it with national welfare policy.

The new rule reverses a previous expansion that benefited millions of early retirees, marking a policy shift back toward fiscal restraint.

Regional Differences – Who Keeps Their 60+ Travel Benefits

The UK’s devolved governments have their own policies for free public transport, meaning not all nations will be affected by the 2025 reform.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Residents aged 60 or over in these regions will continue to enjoy free bus travel, thanks to independent transport funding and devolved governance.
For example:

• Scotland – The National Concessionary Travel Scheme still grants free bus travel from 60+.
• Wales – Maintains its 60+ free travel scheme under Transport for Wales.
• Northern Ireland – Also keeps the 60+ SmartPass system unchanged.

This divergence has sparked concerns about regional fairness, as English residents will have to wait up to seven years longer for the same benefit.

London’s Exception – The 60+ Oyster Card

London will remain partly exempt from the new rules.
Residents in the capital can still apply for a 60+ Oyster Card or a Freedom Pass, allowing free travel across buses, trams, and the Underground.
These schemes are managed by Transport for London (TfL) and funded locally, so they are not affected by the national policy change.

Social and Economic Impact – Why Critics Are Concerned

While the government argues that the change is about fiscal responsibility, advocacy groups warn it will hit low-income and rural pensioners the hardest.

For many older people, buses are not a luxury—they are a lifeline for accessing healthcare, shops, and community centres.
In rural areas with limited transport options, raising the eligibility age could increase isolation and hardship.

“For many older people, especially in rural communities, buses are their only means of independence,” said Age UK in a statement.
“Delaying access to free travel until 67 will make life harder for thousands who already struggle to get by on a fixed pension.”

Disability charities also note that chronological age doesn’t always reflect mobility needs, urging the government to consider means-tested or health-based alternatives.

Financial Rationale Behind the Decision

The government spends over £1 billion annually subsidising free bus travel for pensioners and disabled people in England.
With the number of retirees expected to grow sharply over the next decade, the DfT claims the scheme must evolve to remain financially sustainable.

However, transport experts suggest that the savings may come at a social cost, reducing accessibility for those who depend most on public transport.
Economists also warn that the change could lead to lower ridership and greater financial strain on bus operators, especially in smaller towns.

Advocacy and Public Response

The reaction to the announcement has been deeply divided.
Supporters argue that aligning the bus pass age with the State Pension is logical and consistent, while critics see it as unfair and regressive.

Public transport unions, local councils, and charities have urged the government to reconsider the speed of implementation, suggesting a phased introduction over several years.

“The government could protect vulnerable citizens by phasing the increase or allowing early access for low-income pensioners,” said the National Pensioners’ Convention (NPC).

Some local authorities are exploring self-funded alternatives, such as discounted senior travel cards or community bus vouchers.

Comparing the UK with Other Countries

Internationally, many countries continue to provide travel concessions at earlier ages:

• Spain: Free or heavily discounted travel from age 65 in most cities.
• Germany: Senior travel discounts begin at age 60.
• France: Regional systems often offer partial subsidies starting from 60 or 62.

By contrast, England’s shift to the State Pension age (67) places it among the strictest eligibility systems in Europe.

Potential Local Solutions

Local councils have limited powers to mitigate the impact of the rule change.
Some are already considering locally funded travel cards for residents aged 60–66, offering partial discounts on certain routes.
Others may focus on means-tested support for those on Pension Credit or Universal Credit, ensuring free access for those who need it most.

However, these options will depend on local budget constraints, which remain tight following years of reduced central government funding.

What Happens Next

The new eligibility age for England’s free bus pass will take effect on 6 October 2025.
Final details and implementation guidelines will be published by the Department for Transport later in 2025, after a consultation period with local councils and advocacy organisations.

Experts expect strong public pressure for a softer rollout, particularly from pensioner groups and rural councils.

For now, anyone already in possession of a valid bus pass will not lose their entitlement, and those turning 60 before October 2025 will still qualify under the current rules.

FAQs

1. When will the new bus pass rules take effect?
The eligibility change begins on 6 October 2025, with free bus travel age rising from 60 to the State Pension age in England.

2. Who will be affected by the change?
Only residents in England born after September 2025. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and London residents will not be affected.

3. Why is the government changing the eligibility age?
The move is designed to make the scheme financially sustainable and align it with the State Pension age, which is rising to 67 by 2028.

4. Will current bus pass holders lose their benefits?
No. Anyone who already has a free bus pass will keep it. The new rules apply only to new applicants after October 2025.

5. Can local councils still offer free or discounted travel to over-60s?
Yes. Councils can introduce their own local concessionary schemes, but they must fund them independently without central government support.