The government is facing pressure to offer free bus passes to all over 60s, ensuring equal access to public transport across England.
Brighton: The Labour Party is feeling the heat. They’re being urged to give free bus passes to everyone over 60. Will Forster, a Liberal Democrat MP, is leading the charge. He wants the Labour government to expand the ENCTS scheme for off-peak bus travel.
Meanwhile, Sian Berry, the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, is also speaking up. She’s asking the government to rethink the rules for disabled people’s bus passes. There’s a lot of pressure to make travel cheaper for older folks.
Simon Lightwood, a Labour MP, explained that the ENCTS gives free off-peak bus rides to those with disabilities and people of state pension age, which is currently 66. This scheme costs about £700 million a year. Any changes to who qualifies need careful thought to keep it financially stable.
There’s even an online petition with 5,000 signatures. It calls for the government to extend free bus travel to all over 60s in England, outside of London. The petitioners argue that the current rules are unfair and want equal treatment for everyone over 60.
Right now, people in England who don’t live in London can’t get free bus travel until they hit state pension age. Many over 60s are driving less, so they believe public transport should be more accessible. They want England to match the provisions in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Under the ENCTS, two main groups can get free travel: older people and those with eligible disabilities. Both men and women qualify when they reach state pension age. However, local authorities might have different rules, so it’s best to check with them for the latest info on who can travel for free.
