Labour has thrown its support behind UK bus services with millions of pounds of investment in local routes confirmed. Officials have stressed that local authorities can use the extra money for a variety of reasons including “introducing new bus routes” and “making services more frequent”.
However, the Government has not confirmed whether a concessions rule affecting elderly individuals will remain in place. Under the current rules, older people cannot use their free bus pass before 9.30am on weekday mornings in many local areas across the UK. This is likely to ensure those travelling to work are prioritised but the policy could be a blow to elderly individuals hoping to travel.
Instead, The Government has stressed that new funding will ensure “power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders”, suggesting it was down to councils to set their policies.
Simon Lightwood, Labour MP for Wakefield and Rothwell made the announcement as he answered a question about how the Government was improving bus travel for communities.
Mr Lightwood explained: “The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London.
“This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country.”
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is just one area which has scrapped the 9.30am rule with an ‘all day’ concessionary bus pass now introduced.
At the announcement, the Combined Authority stressed the decision would give elderly individuals “greater flexibility” over when they wanted to travel.
However, they stressed the rule would only apply to those holding a Cambridgeshire and Peterborough-issued concessionary pass.
Meanwhile, a new poll demanding the extension of free bus travel to everyone over the age of 60 has picked up momentum.
Almost 80,000 people have now signed the Parliament petition with campaigners stressing current rules are “unjust”.
Individuals in London get free bus travel when they hit 60 but this is only awarded to those living in other areas at state pension age of 66.
The Government has also responded to the petition but 100,000 signatures are required for the matter to be considered for debate by politicians.
Reacting to the survey, the Government explained: “The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme costs around £700 million annually. Any changes to the statutory scheme must be carefully considered for their impact on its financial sustainability.”
