A free bus pass rule that allowed more than 14 million Britons to travel without paying ends today – has your family benefited from the scheme?
Launched as a component of the Labour Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme, the programme enabled young people to board local buses at no cost from the beginning of the month.
The policy was conceived under former Chancellor Rachel Reeves to encourage families to venture out during the summer holidays whilst offering some financial relief.
This initiative was designed to provide the public with greater “breathing room” amid escalating costs during the summer amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Do you benefit from a free bus pass?
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At the time of launch, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Great British Summer Savings means more people can be excited about getting out and about this summer.
“Whether it’s seeing the Roman Baths, learning something new at the Science Museum, or falling asleep on the bus ride home after a day riding rollercoasters at Alton Towers.”
Under-16s in the capital already benefit from complimentary bus travel as standard, however this is not extended to young people outside of London.
Across the UK, children’s fares typically range from £1 to £2, meaning the August scheme represented a meaningful saving for families outside the capital.
England bus pass age to rise to 67 in 2026 | PA/GETTY
The former Chancellor’s Summer Savings Scheme is coming to end | GETTY
From January 1, 2027, single journeys will be capped at £2, a measure announced by the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The cap was originally introduced at the same level by the Conservative government in 2023 before being increased to £3 the following year.
In England, a free older person’s bus pass is available once you reach State Pension age, which is currently rising from 66 to 67, phased in between 2026 and 2028 under the Pensions Act 2014.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own schemes, with free older-person travel generally starting at 60, and London residents can get a 60+ Oyster photocard from that age too.
Heidi Alexander said it would make ‘everyday journeys easier and cheaper’ | GETTY
Disabled person’s passes are unaffected by the age change, and some holders also qualify for a companion pass allowing a carer to travel free, most consistently granted to those who are blind or severely sight-impaired, though rules vary by council.
Scotland goes further by offering free bus travel to under-22s as well as over-60s.
Applications go through an applicant’s local council in England and Wales, Translink in Northern Ireland, or theircouncil or Citizens Advice in Scotland.
Furthermore, English bus passes passes are normally valid only from 9:30am on weekdays, with no time restriction at weekends or on bank holidays.