The government has announced changes to the national free concessionary travel scheme, which will come into force on April 6th, which will affect residents reaching their 60th birthday.
Under the old system everyone aged 60 and over, and also people with disabilities, received free travel on bus services anywhere in England after 9.30am on weekdays and at all times at weekends.
>From next month, the age of eligibility for concessionary travel in England will be tied to the pensionable age for women. So, as the pensionable age for women gradually increases from 60 to 65 over the ten-year period from 2010 to 2020, so too will the age of eligibility for concessionary travel increase for both men and women.
By 2020 the pensionable age for men and women will have harmonised at 65.
However, the arrangements for residents with disabilities will not be revised.
Anyone who considers that they may be eligible for a concessionary travel pass, or has any queries about the new rules, should contact the concessionary travel section at their local borough or district council.