Andy Burnham introduces new free bus pass rule - starts in 2026

Andy Burnham introduces new free bus pass rule - starts in 2026 The qualigying age for a free bus pass is tied to the State Pension age. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Rebecca Perring 11:12, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 Updated: 11:12, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 A new bus pass rule is starting this year. (Image: Getty) The qualifying age for claiming a free older person's bus pass in England is changing as the State Pension age gradually rises from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. The adjustment affects individuals born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961, who will attain State Pension age at 66, plus a specific number of extra months based on their birth date. Through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, entitlement to an older person's bus pass is tied to State Pension age. This means those affected by the rise may need to wait longer to become eligible for complimentary bus travel. The Department for Transport has confirmed that the entitlement to an older person's bus pass in England will change in line with the rise in the State Pension age. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Individuals born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961, will attain State Pension age at somewhere between 66 years and one month and 66 years and 11 months. The staged rise commenced in April 2026 and will run through to March 2028. The date you qualify hinges on your birth date. People born between April 6 and May 5, 1960, will attain State Pension age at 66 years and one month. Get personal finance news, money saving tips and advice plus selcted offers and competitions I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Those born between September 6 and October 5, 1960, will attain State Pension age at 66 years and six months. Those born between February 6 and March 5, 1961, will attain State Pension age at 66 years and 11 months. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Brits warned 'avoid three UK spots' if WW3 erupts as Army chief says 'prepare' | UK | News | Express.co.uk Bank account warning as HMRC 'to be given powers to take money out' The qualifying age for a bus pass is changing with the state pension age. (Image: Getty) Anyone born on or after March 6, 1961, will have a State Pension age of 67. The first individuals affected by the rise began reaching the new qualifying ages in May 2026. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The final group impacted by the transition will reach State Pension age at 66 years and 11 months, before the age of 67 applies to subsequent birth cohorts. There is a notable exception for London residents. Those aged 60 and over may be entitled to travel free on eligible public transport within London using a 60+ London Oyster photocard, subject to the scheme's conditions. The State Pension is not paid out automatically. The Pension Service typically dispatches an invitation to claim roughly four months before someone reaches State Pension age. Those approaching retirement ought to check their eligibility in advance and ensure they fully understand how to claim their State Pension and any travel concessions available to them. State Pension Bus pass Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments