Ministers have confirmed that England's concessionary bus pass eligibility will increase from 66 to 67 years old beginning in 2026.
The change will align with the scheduled state pension age rise.
The Department for Transport's announcement means future retirees must wait an additional twelve months before accessing free local bus travel.
This development arrives as the state pension age begins its gradual increase from April 2026, with full implementation expected by 2028.
The decision affects England exclusively, where the concessionary pass typically coincides with pension eligibility.
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Residents of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland continue receiving their passes at 60.
Some English regions, including London and Merseyside, already provide earlier access through locally-funded schemes.
These arrangements remain unaffected by the national policy change.
Campaigners have urged the Government to match the devolved nations' approach, where concessionary travel begins at 60.
Their calls for expansion of England's scheme have been formally addressed through parliamentary channels.
Independent MP Neil Duncan-Jordan recently submitted a written question to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander regarding potential benefits of extending free travel to younger demographics.
The query specifically addressed provisions for those under 22.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Lightwood responded by highlighting existing commercial youth discounts.
He said: "Youth discounts were offered by at least one commercial bus operator in 73 out of 85 local authority areas in England outside London during the year ending March 2025."
England bus pass age to rise to 67 in 2026
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The minister emphasised that fare-setting remains primarily a commercial decision for private operators beyond Government intervention.
The Government has allocated £955million for bus service improvements in the 2025/26 financial year.
Of this, £712million is designated for local authorities.
This funding enables councils to enhance services and potentially introduce fare reduction initiatives.
Mr Lightwood said: "The Government knows how important affordable and reliable bus services are in enabling people to get to education, work and access vital services."
He referenced the £3 single fare cap introduced on January 1 for services outside London.
Keir Starmer has previously failed to rule out scrapping free bus passes
| PEXELSThe minister confirmed that local authorities retain discretion over funding allocation.
Councils may choose to support concessionary schemes or youth fare reductions according to local priorities.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council will receive £6million from this allocation, demonstrating the Government's commitment to regional transport investment.
The Department for Transport has defended the current system whilst acknowledging pensioners' concerns.
A spokesperson said: "We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many older people, providing access to essential services and keeping people connected through free local travel."
The confirmation arrives as officials resist pressure to lower the eligibility age to match other UK nations.
The disparity means English pensioners face longer waits than their counterparts elsewhere in Britain.
Commercial bus operators maintain autonomy over fare structures, with Government intervention limited to the £3 cap scheme.
The majority of services operate privately, restricting ministerial influence over concessionary arrangements.
Local authorities retain powers to fund additional schemes, though most English regions align passes with pension age rather than implementing earlier access.
The timing of this announcement particularly affects those approaching retirement age in England.
Individuals turning 66 in 2026 must now wait until their 67th birthday for concessionary travel benefits.
State pensioners are set to see a further tightening on finances
| GETTYThis policy maintains the established link between pension eligibility and bus pass entitlement across most of England.
The synchronised increase ensures both benefits remain aligned as demographic changes prompt adjustments to retirement provisions.
The decision highlights the continuing divergence between England's approach and that of the devolved administrations.
Whilst Westminster ties concessionary travel to pension age, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast maintain more generous provisions.
The Department for Transport's position reflects broader fiscal considerations as the Government manages competing demands for transport funding.
Officials have prioritised maintaining existing services whilst introducing targeted support through fare caps rather than expanding eligibility criteria.