From 8 February 2026, important updates are coming to the way concessionary bus passes work in parts of the UK — and older adults and disabled passengers should be aware of what’s changing and what stays the same.
These updates do not mean free bus travel is being taken away. Instead, several rule changes tied to eligibility age and how passes are used are being formalised in transport schemes, especially in England where the system is linked to the State Pension age. At the same time, local authorities in some regions are improving travel conditions for pass holders. Here’s what you need to know.
What “Free Bus Pass” Means in the UK
Across the UK, people who qualify for concessionary travel — usually older adults and those with certain disabilities — can travel for free on local buses under statutory schemes. These passes are an important social support: they help people reach shops, appointments, friends and services without the cost burden of fares.
However, the details of eligibility and rules vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
England: Free Bus Pass Rules Change and Eligibility Age
The biggest shift that’s being discussed for early 2026 relates to England’s concessionary bus pass rules, which are part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).
From 8 February 2026 onward, the eligibility age for a free bus pass in England will officially be based on the State Pension age, which is rising. This means that instead of qualifying at a fixed age (like 66), people will qualify only once they reach the State Pension age that applies to them under current law.
For many people, this means:
- The free bus pass age increases from 66 to 67 in 2026, in line with the State Pension age changes.
- Anyone born after April 1959 will need to reach age 67 before they can get a free concessionary bus pass.
- Previously, many people became eligible at age 66; now that aligns with the later State Pension timetable.
In effect, free concessionary bus travel remains a right, but the age at which a person qualifies continues to rise with changes to State Pension age.
Why This Matters in England
For thousands of older adults, aligning bus pass eligibility with the State Pension age means waiting an extra year before accessing off-peak free travel compared with the older fixed threshold. Critics and campaigners argue this disproportionately affects older people who rely on buses for essential travel, especially since Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland still offer free travel from age 60 under their own schemes.
However, national law still guarantees concessionary travel once a person hits the qualifying age or meets disability criteria. Local councils may also choose to provide additional local concessions if budgets allow.
What Is Not Being Removed
Despite headlines about “changes,” it’s important to be clear:
- The National Concessionary Travel Scheme itself is not being abolished. Pass holders will still have free travel rights once they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Disabled pass holders continue to qualify under separate disability criteria, not age-based criteria.
- The basic entitlement to free off-peak bus travel (e.g. from 9.30 am on weekdays and all day at weekends) remains in place.
What is changing is how eligibility age is defined and linked to pension age, a policy shift that has been in development for some time due to demographic trends and long-term pension reforms.
Local Enhancements and Access Improvements
While national eligibility rules are evolving, some local transport authorities are also making improvements that affect concessionary travel at a local level.
One prominent example is Greater Manchester, where the regional Bee Network has announced that it will remove the 9.30 am off-peak restriction for older and disabled passengers on buses from March 2026. Under this change, concessionary pass holders will be able to use their passes at any time of day on Bee Network buses — not just after 9.30 am.
Other councils and city regions may introduce similar enhancements, subject to local budget approval. This means that while the national rules set a minimum standard, local areas can go further to make travel more inclusive and flexible for pass holders.
Difference Between National and Local Schemes
The UK’s concessionary schemes work differently depending on where you live:
England
Free bus travel is part of the national scheme once you reach State Pension age (currently rising to 67), or if you qualify due to disability. Local councils can add their own extras, but they must meet the minimum national standard.
Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
These nations operate their own schemes, which typically offer free travel for older people from age 60 and for disabled passengers under respective eligibility rules. These schemes remain unchanged by the English eligibility update.
It’s worth checking the specific rules where you live, as details can differ (for example, in some parts of London or Merseyside local authorities subsidise additional travel benefits beyond the statutory minimum).
What Pass Holders Should Do Before February 2026
If you already hold a concessionary bus pass:
- Confirm the expiry date and make sure it’s renewed in good time (passes often require renewal every few years).
- Check that your details are up to date with your local authority so travel rights are uninterrupted.
- Find out if your local council offers early or extended travel options beyond the national minimum standard.
If you haven’t yet got a pass and expect to qualify soon:
- Use the official GOV.UK service to check your State Pension age and planning timelines for eligibility.
- Contact your local council transport or concessionary travel team to confirm how the updated rules will affect your application.
Understanding the Main Affects
Overall, the changes starting from 8 February 2026 are about:
- Updating how eligibility ages are defined, especially in England
- Reflecting broader pension age changes already approved by government
- Leaving core free travel rights intact while aligning them with long-term policy shifts
If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, your older age free travel rules will continue to follow local schemes and are not directly affected by the England eligibility change.
Final Thoughts
The UK’s free bus pass system remains an important support for older and disabled residents. While the eligibility age in England will change as part of the alignment with State Pension age, concessionary travel itself is not being removed for those who qualify.
In some places, pass holders will even see improved travel freedom, such as unrestricted 24/7 use of their passes on local routes. The best approach is to stay informed about both the national eligibility rules and any local enhancements where you live.