The age at which people in England can claim a free bus pass is rising, as eligibility is linked directly to increases in the state pension age.
The Department for Transport stated: “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.”
Free bus pass age increase
At present, free bus travel becomes available once you reach the state pension age – currently 66. But with confirmed changes to the pension age on the horizon, many people will have to wait longer before qualifying. Between 2026 and 2028, the pension age is scheduled to increase to 67, with plans to rise further to 68 in the coming decades.
This shift means that anyone who turns 66 after the pension age has risen will no longer receive their pass at that age, but instead at the new qualifying threshold. For workers expecting travel perks at 60, the reality is a wait of six to eight years longer than in the past.
Why is the age rising?
Back in 2010, England moved away from the old system where free bus passes were granted at 60. Since then, eligibility has been aligned to the state pension age as part of efforts to reflect longer life expectancies and to manage public spending on pensions and concessions.
While there was speculation of bringing forward the rise to 68, the government paused that decision after updated life expectancy figures showed a slowdown in increases.
Charities and campaigners argue the change will hit those who need it most – especially people in manual jobs who rely on public transport daily. For them, waiting longer for free bus travel risks isolation and extra financial strain, particularly amid rising fares and living costs.
Free travel for older people has always been about more than money: it connects communities, supports volunteering, and helps older residents access services and family. Pensioner groups say delaying eligibility takes away vital social lifelines.
State pensioners born in these years set to lose free bus pass due to rule change
People who reach pension age before 2026 will still qualify at 66.
Those turning 66 from 2026 onwards will need to wait until 67.
Further rises to 68 could mean today’s younger workers don’t see free travel until much later in life.
Other ways to cut costs
Some people may still be eligible for free or discounted travel earlier, such as through:
- Disability and mobility schemes
- Jobseeker and low-income concessions
- Regional fare caps, such as the £3 bus cap running nationally until 2025 and the £2 cap in Greater Manchester.