UK Free Bus Travel for Over 60s – Either Sign this or YOU COULD LOSE Your Free Travel?

UK Free Bus Travel for Over 60s – Either Sign this or YOU COULD LOSE Your Free Travel: An online petition is gathering momentum in its push to extend free bus travel for individuals aged 60 and over in England. Spearheaded by Karen Hickman, the campaign aims to align England’s concessionary travel scheme with Scotland’s policy, which provides free bus travel to everyone over 60.

The Current State of Concessionary Travel

Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), free bus travel in England is available to individuals at the state pension age, currently 66. This contrasts sharply with Scotland, where free bus travel begins at age 60. This discrepancy has prompted Hickman to label the system “unjust” and call for “equality for everyone over 60.”

The petition appeals for policy reform to provide free bus travel to all individuals over 60 in England, particularly those outside London. It highlights the practical needs of older adults who may drive less frequently as they age and underscores the importance of equal access to public transport.

Petition Milestones and Requirements

To garner attention, the petition needs 10,000 signatures to prompt a formal response from the Government and 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in Parliament. Its demands include parity with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where similar schemes offer broader access to free bus travel.

Government’s Position on the Issue

While the Department for Transport has reassured the public that it has no plans to withdraw the current concessionary bus pass scheme, it has not signaled any intent to expand eligibility. Currently, two main groups are eligible for concessionary travel in England: older people who have reached the state pension age and those with disabilities.

Transport Minister Simon Lightwood has clarified that concessionary travel is a devolved matter. Consequently, administrative policies in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland differ from those in England. He stated that there are no plans to introduce a reciprocal arrangement that would allow UK pensioners to use their bus passes across all nations.

Campaign’s Broader Implications

The petition draws attention to broader issues of accessibility, equality, and regional discrepancies in public transport policies. Advocates argue that harmonizing policies across the UK would improve mobility and fairness for older adults. However, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood’s response indicates that such changes are unlikely in the near future.

For now, the Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007 holds provisions that could allow mutual recognition of bus passes across the UK, but these remain unused. Whether public support can drive significant policy change remains to be seen.

Karen Hickman’s petition reflects growing dissatisfaction with the inequalities in England’s concessionary travel policies. While achieving 100,000 signatures could push this issue onto Parliament’s agenda, the Government’s stance suggests that meaningful reform may take time. Nevertheless, the campaign continues to highlight the importance of accessible and equitable public transport for older adults across the UK.

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