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Free Bus Travel: Over-60s
05 January 2026
Lead MP
Tony Vaughan
Folkestone and Hythe
Lab
Responding Minister
Simon Lightwood
Tags
EconomyTransport
Word Count: 10206
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Tony Vaughan raised concerns about free bus travel: over-60s in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should support local authorities in funding bus services adequately and ensure that each local authority decides on the best way to run its bus network.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The petition received 101,000 signatures. Many over-60s live in poverty: based on households below average income data, 875,000 people aged 60 to 64 are living in poverty. The pension age has risen since 2010, increasing financial insecurity for those early in their retirement.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Asked the Minister about the inconsistency of local authorities offering different concessions and advocated for a wider eligibility for disabled people to use their bus passes at all times.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Asked about the cost estimates for free bus travel for over-60s, noting that while everyone supports such a policy, it is a question of affordability. Praised publicly owned bus services in Edinburgh and paid tribute to Sarah Boyack MSP for her work in establishing national minimum standards of service for free travel.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Acknowledged the sentiment behind the petition for affordable bus journeys but highlighted the challenge of ensuring bus services are sustainable and serve passengers well. Emphasised that policy decisions need to be affordable and effective, suggesting targeted local support rather than a blanket extension. Highlighted the effectiveness of Norfolk county council's approach in increasing bus ridership.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Thanked 148 constituents who supported the petition and highlighted financial pressures on local authorities in Bedford, urging central government intervention to ensure affordable transport options for older people.
Polly Billington
Lab
East Thanet
Celebrated the £3 billion boost to bus services but criticised Kent county council's decision leading to uneven distribution of investment in deprived areas like East Thanet.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Addressed socioeconomic inequality in bus use and the need for resources to enable older people to access services. Advocated for public good and municipal bus companies over private interests.
Simon Lightwood
Con
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Responded that affordability is a critical factor in maintaining the scheme's sustainability, highlighted the Government’s investment over £3 billion to improve local bus services and mentioned the revised formula including rurality for funding allocations. Discussed the Government's commitment to improving public transport for disabled people, highlighting that 76% of local concession authorities offer extensions to bus pass use start times.
Torbay
Suggests sustained investment is needed for better service provision, agreeing with Tony Vaughan's stance.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Asked if the Conservative party would get rid of free transport for over-60s in Scotland and Wales if elected. Asked about the Reform-led council and ensuring fair investment across its whole geography, mentioning concerns about how improvements must deliver across the entire area according to BSIP guidelines.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Discussed the importance of older people accessing services easily without losing appointments. Agreed that new bus legislation should consider disenfranchised communities when local councils decide on routes. Supported the case for reliable and affordable bus routes, highlighting the cost burden on students with special educational needs. Welcomed the funding certainty for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council under Labour's leadership, enabling it to improve bus services.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
Emphasised the importance of buses in rural areas like Folkestone and Hythe, stressing that local authorities should decide how to spend funding while maintaining accountability through an outcomes framework.
Government Response
Simon Lightwood
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
Welcomed the debate and thanked the Petitions Committee for scheduling it, expressing appreciation to Tony Vaughan for representing petitioners' views. Did not provide specific details on policy changes or financial impacts. Reaffirmed the Government's commitment to the English national concessionary travel scheme, noted that eligibility is set at state pension age due to changes in longevity and equity considerations. Emphasised that local authorities can offer additional concessions but any change nationally would require careful consideration of value for money. Announced long-term investment over £3 billion to improve local bus services with a focus on affordability, accessibility, and reliability. Mentioned the introduction of a rural element in funding formula and the £3 single bus fare cap extended until March 2027. Acknowledged the strength of feeling expressed by petitioners and affirmed the Government's commitment to sustainable concessionary travel. Highlighted reforms such as the Bus Services Act 2025, which empowers local leaders to deliver better bus services through various models including franchising and enhanced partnerships.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.