Free bus passes are set to be axed for millions of people in the UK under new law - The Evesham Observer

Free bus passes are set to be axed for millions of people in the UK under new law

Evesham Editorial 5th Jan, 2022   0

A WARNING has been issued to millions of people in the UK who have a free bus pass.

Under a new law, the reductions for elderly people using public transport could change and decrease – meaning OAPs will have to pay more to get around.

Currently, the threshold for eligibility for free passes is the same as it is for claiming a state pension – at the time of writing this means reaching the age of 66.

Different rules for discounted bus travel are in place for different parts of the county, with people in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales able to apply from the age of 60.




In England, however, it is aligned with the age for a state pension, but this could also mean the age for travel discounts could increase.

Read on for information on who is eligible for a bus pass and how to get hold of one.


Is the free bus pass eligibility criteria changing for pensioners?

The government is currently on course to increase the state pension age from 66 to 67 between the years of 2026 and 2028.

A further increase is expected in 2048, which is expected to see the national retirement age go up to 68.

This could still change with government policy and if data regarding life expectancy changes at all.

To work out if you are eligible for a free bus pass in England, you must have reached the national retirement age.

Understandably, queries are likely to arise regarding individual questions of eligibility. The government has launched a tool to help people navigate this.

Follow this link for information on getting your bus pass.

Information is available whether you can get a pass, whether it is possible to get one sooner, and the details for your local area and any specific rules there.

How to apply for a free bus pass and travel as a pensioner

You can apply for the discount scheme on the government website.

State pension claimants can enter their postcode online to be provided with contact details for their local council.

Local council procedures can change when it comes to administering free passes if local authorities are contacted instead.

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