Free bus pass axe decision for people of State Pension age

The Department for Transport has confirmed that free local bus travel for people of State Pension age will not be axed. Pensioners are eligible for free local bus trips through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

People are eligible when they reach State Pension age, while some disabled people may be able to access the scheme sooner. If you are aged 60 or over and live in London, you can get free travel on buses, trains and tubes - but within London only.

There had been concerns that the scheme might be scrapped after the Government announced it would be tightening eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments, leaving millions of pensioners without the cash this year. But it has said it has 'absolutely no plans to withdraw the concessionary bus pass scheme'.

READ MORE: Pensioner, 74, claims 'car left at airport meet and greet driven 178 miles'

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.

Conservative MP Graham Stuart asked if there were plans to 'continue to fund the universal bus pass for those of pension age'. In a written response, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently 66.

"The Government recognises the importance of the scheme, which supports local bus travel, assists with access to essential local services and helps those who use it to stay active and avoid isolation. The Government has absolutely no plans to withdraw the concessionary bus pass scheme."

Changes to Winter Fuel Payments mean that just 1.5 million people will receive up to £300 this year. There will be more than 10 million pensioners who will miss out.