Thousands of people in England face waiting longer to get a free bus pass as the State Pension age gradually rises from 66 to 67.
The change means people approaching retirement will no longer automatically qualify for a free older person's bus pass when they turn 66.
In England, eligibility for the concessionary travel pass is linked to the State Pension age, meaning anyone affected by the phased increase will also have to wait longer before they can apply.
The rise began on April 6, 2026, and is being introduced in monthly stages over two years.
People born between April 6, 1960 and April 5, 1961 are affected by the transition, with their qualifying age increasing from 66 years and one month to 66 years and 11 months.
From March 6, 1961 onwards, people will have to wait until they are 67 to qualify.
The next stage of the increase affects people born between November 6 and December 5, 1960. They will have to wait until they are 66 years and eight months old before they can claim their free bus pass.
This means someone born on November 6, 1960 will not become eligible until July 6, 2027.
Free bus travel in August for under-15s 🚌 Delivered by our new PM Andy Burnham and a Labour Government 🌹 So get out, enjoy the summer holidays and take the bus free! https://t.co/QB3FfRXXkM
— Liam Robinson (@liamrobinson24) July 31, 2026
When can you get a free bus pass?
In England, you can apply for a free older person's bus pass when you reach your State Pension age.
That age is currently rising from 66 to 67, meaning people born from April 6, 1960 onwards will face a later qualifying date than previous generations.
The Government's timetable sets out the following ages for people affected by the transition:
- April 6, 1960 to May 5, 1960: 66 years and one month
- May 6, 1960 to June 5, 1960: 66 years and two months
- June 6, 1960 to July 5, 1960: 66 years and three months
- July 6, 1960 to August 5, 1960: 66 years and four months
- August 6, 1960 to September 5, 1960: 66 years and five months
- September 6, 1960 to October 5, 1960: 66 years and six months
- October 6, 1960 to November 5, 1960: 66 years and seven months
- November 6, 1960 to December 5, 1960: 66 years and eight months
- December 6, 1960 to January 5, 1961: 66 years and nine months
- January 6, 1961 to February 5, 1961: 66 years and 10 months
- February 6, 1961 to March 5, 1961: 66 years and 11 months
- March 6, 1961 onwards: 67 years
The exact date you qualify depends on your birthday. You can check your State Pension age using the Government's online calculator .
Different free bus pass rules in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Merseyside and London
The rules are different, depending where you live.
In Wales, residents can apply for a free bus pass when they turn 60, meaning the State Pension age increase does not delay their eligibility. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, older people's bus passes are also available from the age of 60.
People living in London and Merseyside can also get free travel on buses and other eligible transport from the age of 60.
However, the free travel for 60+ Oyster card holders is restricted to journeys within London.
How to apply for a free bus pass
People in England and Wales can use the Government's bus pass application service .
You can enter your postcode to find your local council's application process and check whether you qualify for a pass sooner.
Some local authorities may offer additional concessions, so it is worth checking what is available in your area.
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