Free bus travel update for people over State Pension age and those with disabilities
The Department for Transport has confirmed that the UK Government has “absolutely no plans to withdraw the concessionary bus pass scheme” for people over State Pension age or those with a disability. Transport Minister Simon Lightwood gave the response after Conservative MP Graham Stuart asked if the Department plans “to continue to fund the universal bus pass for those of pension age”.
In a recent written response, the Transport Minister said: “The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The Government recognises the importance of the scheme, which supports local bus travel, assists with access to essential local services and helps those who use it to stay active and avoid isolation.”
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Mr Lightwood added: “The Government has absolutely no plans to withdraw the concessionary bus pass scheme.”
Speculation had been mounting before the Autumn Budget after Sir Keir Starmer did not rule out the possibility of making changes to the free bus pass scheme for people over State Pension age in England when Conservative MP Louie French urged him to “rule out scrapping concessionary travel fares and Council Tax discounts” for millions of pensioners during Prime MInister’s Questions on September 11.
His comments were made at a time when millions of State Pensioners were still reeling from the unexpected announcement from the Labour Government that in order to help plug a ‘£22billion black hole’ in the public purse - now estimated to be £40bn - Winter Fuel Payments will only be issued to around 1.5 million people this year.
The policy change means more than 10m pensioners will not receive payments of up to £300 this winter, including over 850,000 people in Scotland. Only those receiving a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit will be eligible for the annual heating bill help.
It's important to be aware that the National Entitlement Card (NEC)scheme in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Government and is available to older people from the age of 60 - not State Pension age.
The NEC also can also provide free bus travel for people with a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition. The Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares.
If you are 60 or over, the card will not have an expiry date on it and is valid for life, providing you continue to live in Scotland. However, for others - including disabled people - it may only be valid for up to three years and will need to be reviewed.
The English national concessionary travel scheme provides free local bus travel to people over 66 and eligible disabled people on bus services in England only.
