Many Brits are set to be affected.
Free bus pass age changes are coming next month (Image: Getty)
The free bus pass eligibility age will increase in line with the State Pension age in September. The State Pension age increase is being phased in gradually until April 2028 for people born from April 16, 1960, onward.
Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, eligibility for a free bus pass is tied to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) age. As the State Pension age increases from 66 to 67, the age required to claim a free national bus pass in England is rising alongside it. The only exceptions are residents aged 60 and over in London who can apply for a 60+ Oyster Photocard, which grants free travel on buses, trams and TfL services, as well as qualifying disabled residents of any adult age who remain eligible for a local bus pass.
The Pensions Act 2014 accelerated the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67. The Government has adjusted the phasing of the increase, meaning those born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will be eligible to claim the State Pension and concessionary bus passes once they turn 67.
The State Pension age remains 66 for those born before April 6, 1960, while those born between this date and March 5, 1961, will have a State Pension age of 66 plus a specific number of months. Those born in late December 1960 will reach State Pension age at 66 years and nine months.
This September, people born between August 6, 1960, and September 5, 1960, face a bus pass entitlement delay, as they must wait until they reach 66 years and a specific number of months before they are eligible.
A spokesperson for the DfT 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.”
The eligibility age is rising in line with the State Pension age (Image: Getty)
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 confirmed the following timetable for the state pension age increase:
- 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 rules are separate from the State Pension age. Free local bus passes remain available to all residents aged 60 and above.