The UK Government will implement changes to the bus pass eligibility criteria starting 13 November 2025. The changes will affect millions of people in England, Scotland, and Wales, particularly people nearing retirement age and people who already depend on concessionary travel. For people who currently hold a bus pass and people who were planning to get one in the near future, this will cover the most important information to keep you updated.
What is changing on November 13, 2025?
Starting in November 2025, the age to get free bus passes will be in accordance to the new State Pension age which means people will have to be at the new pensionable age to claim a bus pass. The main purpose of the changes is to balance travel benefits with the expected life-span to be made more financially sustainable. For most older adults this will be a longer wait to receive free and subsidised bus travel.
Who is Eligible for the Free Bus Pass?
As of now, England provides a free older person’s bus pass upon reaching State Pension age, which is currently 66. However, the latest legislation has changed the qualifying age to 67 for late 2025. You will still qualify if:
You currently collect State Pension before 13th November 2025.
You hold a valid older person’s bus pass.
You hold a qualifying disability that meets the Disabled Person’s Bus Pass Scheme.If your eligibility was determined by age alone, and you haven’t reached the new limit when the rules change, you will have to wait until your 67th birthday to apply.
How to Apply for a Bus Pass?
Getting a bus pass is still a free bus pass and still a simple process, although local authorities have different system for your application. You do this by:
Visiting your local council’s official website
Proof of age and address, passport and a recent utility bill
Submit a recent to passport size photo if requested.On average, your pass will be processed and sent to you in a 10 to 14 working day period.
Disabled Person’s Bus Pass — No Age Impact
There is no change to the Disabled Person’s Bus Pass. This is good because it means people who qualify due to certain disabilities will continue to receive free or discounted bus travel irrespective of age. Typically, those who qualify are:
Registered blind or partially sighted
Have a hearing or a mobility impairment
Receive disability-related benefits such as PIP (Personal Independence Payment) or Attendance Allowance.
These individuals will also remain unaffected by the 2025 changes to the rules.
Regional Differences Across the UK
While the bus pass scheme in England is determined by the State Pension age, it is different in the other parts of the UK:
Scotland: Residents 60 and over can still apply through the National Entitlement Card (NEC) scheme.
Wales: The age of 60 and over still applies for free bus travel.
Northern Ireland: The SmartPass is still available at age 60 for half fare, 65 for full free travel, and free travel for the rest of the month.
This means that for the November 2025 rules changes, eligibility will still apply if you live in Scotland or Wales.
How to Renew or Replace Your Bus Pass
Renewing or replacing an existing bus pass is easy if it is about to expire or if you lost it.
Renew it online through your local council’s website.
Most replacement cards incur a small charge of about £5 to £10.
Always check expiry dates in advance. Most passes are issued for a duration of 3 to 5 years.
Not renewing passes in a timely manner will leave you temporarily unable to use the transport system for free.
Why the Government Is Changing the Rules
Government reform of free transport for seniors, alters passes for free system access, changes due to the financial sustainability of the system. Free transport access for seniors is said to be over the age of 60. This cost is due to the increased number of seniors and the number of seniors eligible for free transport.
What Older Pass Holders Need to Do Now
Older pass holders must not worry as their passes will remain valid. If you are planning to apply for a pass after November 2025, check new eligibility rules on age as the rules require a specific age. Also, keep in touch with your local transport authority, renew your pass before it expires to avoid disruptions, and if you turn 66 before November 2025 apply for your pass early.Are There Going to Be Exceptions?
Some regions and councils may provide transitional arrangements for individuals who narrowly miss out on the new eligibility cutoff. For example, when the rule comes into place, local authorities may allow for limited exceptions or short-term concessions to those who turn 66 just a few days after the rule comes into effect.
Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), alternative travel support may be offered to persons with certain health or mobility challenges.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Responses to the policy within the UK have not been uniform. Some contend that among the justifiable revisions, this one is needed because of the increased pressure on public finances. Others assert that it unfairly discriminates against those in their mid-60s who depend on bus travel for work and appointments.
Concerns that the policy will increase the social isolation of older individuals in remote rural and poor regions, who will be left with fewer mobility options, have been voiced by several charities, especially Age UK.
How to Stay Informed
To ensure that there is no confusion, it is always best to refer to the most recent updates from the:
Department for Transport (DfT) website.
Your local council's transport office.
Reputable news sources providing regional travel updates. You may also wish to sign up for email alerts offered by your council which will provide updates on any changes to your bus pass policy.
Final Thoughts
The changes to how bus passes offer free travel to holders is set to change as of November 13, 2025. There is positive and negative sentiments surrounding this change. As bus passes change alongside the state pension age, it means some people will have to wait longer to access state benefits.
For those who have passes and are of pension age, there is no cause for concern, your free bus pass is still active. But for those very close to age pension- which is 66.5- it is imperative they fully grasp how this policy alters their waiting time. As this age approaches it will fully benefit those who are informed, keep to their pass renewal time and for those who access the encapsulation of affordable and accessible transport network all through the nation is and will remain free, per the policies surrounding passes.
