There are major changes coming to the criterthe free bus pass pensioner eligibility criteria.
Currently, the eligibility is is aligned with the age for a state pension, which at the time of writing is 66.
But as the age of state pension is set to rise, this could also mean the age for travel discounts could increase too.
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Different parts of the country have different rules for discounted bus travel - people in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are able to apply from the age of 60.
Here is everything you need to know about the free bus pass scheme and how to get one.
Is the free bus pass scheme eligibility changing?
The government is set to increase the state pension age from 66 to 67 between the years of 2026 and 2028.
By 2048, it is expected that the increase will go up further and rise to the age of 68.
This could still change with government policy and if data regarding life expectancy changes at all.
Since, in England, the scheme runs in line with the retirement age, it could mean that eligibility could also change as the age rises.
How to check if you're eligible for a free bus pass
In England, to be eligible for a free bus pass, you must have reached the national retirement age.
For any queries regarding individual questions of eligibility, the government has released a tool to help people navigate this, which you can use by clicking this link.
Information is available for whether you can get a pass, whether it is possible to get one sooner, and the details for your local area and any specific rules there.
How to apply for a free bus pass and travel as a pensioner
You can apply for the discount scheme on the government website, here.
State pension claimants can enter their postcode online to be provided with contact details for their local council.
Local council procedures can change when it comes to administering free passes if local authorities are contacted instead.
Where can I use my bus pass?
In Merseyside, Merseytravel said you can use your pass on:
- Local buses within the Merseyside boundary,
- On the Merseyrail network (City, Wirral and Northern lines within Merseyside and as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and Ormskirk)
- On the Mersey Ferries for single river crossings (not River Explorer or Special Cruises).
You cannot use the pass on coach excursions, special bus services, excursions, National Express or Merseylink.
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