Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government has any plans to (a) reduce the age of eligibility for concessionary bus travel in England outside London to 60, (b) introduce concessionary bus travel for NHS staff who retire at age 60, and (c) review the disparity between eligibility for concessionary bus travel in England outside London and the other nations of the United Kingdom.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to people with eligible disabilities and those of State Pension age. From 1 April 2027, the off-peak time restrictions on disabled persons’ bus passes will be removed.

There are currently no plans to lower the age of eligibility for the ENCTS, introduce a concession specifically for NHS staff who retire at age 60, or otherwise review the eligibility criteria for the scheme. However, local authorities in England may, at their own discretion and using local resources, offer concessions that go beyond their statutory obligations. This can include lowering the age of eligibility or providing concessions to additional groups of people in their area. The Government provides significant funding to local authorities, including through the Local Authority Bus Grant, which authorities may use to support local transport priorities, including discretionary concessionary travel schemes where they choose to do so.

North East Mayoral Strategic Authority will be allocated £76.4 million under the LABG from 2026/27 to 2028/29.