Call demanding changes to free bus travel for Brits over 60 hits major milestone
Share:
A new online petition calling for the free bus pass scheme to include everyone over the age of 60 has hit a major milestone. Last year, the Department for Transport made it clear that the Labour Government has "absolutely no plans to withdraw the concessionary bus pass scheme" for those over the age of State Pension or with a disability.
Yet, an online petition is now urging for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) to be broadened, taking inspiration from Scotland by offering free bus travel to all individuals aged 60 and above. Petition founder Karen Hickman is calling out the current system as "unjust" and is demanding "equality for everyone over 60". She highlighted the disparity faced by residents in England outside of London, who are not eligible for free bus travel until they hit the State Pension age of 66, which she points out has "changed dramatically.".
The 'extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England' e-petition is live on the petitions-parliament website. Garnering 10,000 signatures would prompt a written reply from the UK Government, while reaching 100,000 could lead to a debate in Parliament overseen by the Petitions Committee.
The petition clearly demands: "We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60.". "Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport.", reports the Daily Record.
