As Reported in the Mirror online, The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that from April, the qualifying age for free bus passes in England will increase from 66 to 67, aligning with changes to the State Pension age.
This marks a further 12-month delay for residents seeking concessionary travel despite a campaign that attracted over 100,000 signatures calling for England to match Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where free bus travel begins at age 60.
The change will affect those born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977, who must now wait until turning 67 to receive their passes.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme provides free off-peak bus travel between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends.
Whilst some local authorities, including London and Merseyside, fund earlier eligibility themselves, most English residents will face the extended wait. The State Pension age is scheduled to reach 67 by 2028.