Exactly who is automatically eligible for free UK bus pass amid major update

Millions of people in the UK are currently eligible for free bus pass. However, a recent update could see the scheme opened up to more residents.

A concessionary bus pass is only available to specific groups of people. This scheme is available to help people who might otherwise find it difficult to get around, without worrying about the cost.

There are two types of free bus passes in the UK, which can be used on local buses. These are an older person’s bus pass and a disabled person’s bus pass.

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As per a recent update, there is the potential for the age limit for older person’s bus passes in England to be reduced. Currently it is only offered to those of State Pension age.

But, as reported by Express.co.uk, the UK Government has confirmed that local councils in England have the authority to lower the age threshold for the older persons' bus pass. This revelation came to light in a written response from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton.

Dr Pinkerton, MP for Surrey Heath, asked whether an assessment had been carried out on the "potential merits of extending free bus pass eligibility to people aged over 60." As concessionary travel is a devolved matter, the age at which someone qualifies for free bus travel varies between Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

In Scotland, people aged 60 and above are entitled to this benefit, while in England, it's typically tied to the State Pension age. Transport minister Simon Lightwood, in his written reply, affirmed that "local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility".

He added that any additional concessions would have to be “funded by local authorities from local resources". See below for an explanation of who is currently eligible for free bus travel in the UK.

Older person’s bus pass

The Government website explains that in England you can get an older person’s bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

However, in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, you can apply for this pass once you reach 60. If you live in London you can also get bus travel for free at the age of 60 with the 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website, which also includes free travel on trains and other public transport.

Age UK advises that other areas may also offer travel concessions for people who are over 60. “It's a good idea to check with your local council to see what help is available,” the charity says.

For more information on how to apply for the older person’s bus pass visit the Government website here.

Disabled person's bus pass

In England there is no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass. To find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

You can find your local council and apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK. The criteria for a disabled person’s bus pass in England is generally that you must be five years old or over, and:

• Severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted)
• Profoundly or severely deaf
• Are without speech
• Have a disability or injury which has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to walk
• Have no arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
• Have a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which started before adulthood and includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning
• Would be refused a licence to drive a motor vehicle, should an application be made under Part three of the Road Transport Act 1988, under section 92 of the Act (physical fitness), otherwise than on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol

Your condition will need to be permanent or last at least 12 months.

If you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland the way to apply is slightly different. You can find out more on the Government website, here.