Many UK workers born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 are set to lose a full year of free bus pass access as eligibility ages rise. Currently, free bus travel is available at State Pension age, which is 66.
But because the State Pension age is increasing to 67 for people in that birth-range between April 2026 and March 2028, those affected will need to wait longer before getting their free bus pass.
This change marks a significant shift in how and when older residents gain access to complimentary local transport.
What Is Changing & Why
- State Pension Age Increase: The UK government is gradually increasing the State Pension age from 66 to 67. This change applies to people born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977. These people will need to reach age 67 before claiming certain age-linked benefits, including free local bus travel.
- Free Bus Pass Tied to Pension Age: Since England moved away from giving free bus passes at a fixed younger age (like 60), eligibility has been linked to State Pension age. So as pension age changes, the age for free bus pass eligibility also shifts.
- Further Increases Planned: There is also a scheduled further rise in State Pension age to 68 for many people between 2044 and 2046, which could affect younger cohorts and push back free travel eligibility even more.
Who Is Affected
| Birth Date Range | Current Eligibility Age (Free Bus Pass) | New Eligibility Age (When Policy Applies) |
|---|---|---|
| Born before 6 March 1961 | Age 66 | Still age 66 (unchanged) |
| Born 6 March 1961 – 5 April 1977 | Previously would get pass at 66 | Must wait until 67 to get the free bus pass |
| Born after 5 April 1977 | Future cohorts; later increases (to 68) likely apply | Eligibility tied to the higher Pension age when in force (e.g. 68) |
Impacts & Concerns
- Delay in Free Travel: Affected groups lose about a year of eligibility, increasing travel costs.
- Financial Pressure: Rising living costs make public transport delays harder to afford.
- Social & Health Impact: Reduced mobility may cause isolation and limit access to services.
- Regional Variation: Local concessions differ; some offer early or discounted travel.
- Alternatives: Disability, mobility, or low-income schemes may allow earlier access.
Timeline & Facts
- Up to early 2026: Born before 6 March 1961 qualify at 66.
- Apr 2026–Mar 2028: Born 6 March 1961–5 April 1977 qualify at 67.
- 2044–2046: Future rise to 68 likely for those born after mid-1977.
Eligibility Rules
- Birth Date: Born 6 March 1961–5 April 1977 must wait until 67 for free bus travel.
- State Pension Age: Eligibility now aligns with State Pension age as it rises.
- Exemptions: Early access possible for disability, low-income benefits, or local council concessions.
The upcoming change to the State Pension age from 66 to 67 for those born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 means a delay—by about one full year—for free bus pass eligibility for many.
While the shift aims to align with longer life expectancies and budget considerations, it creates real unintended burdens: extra travel expenses, potential isolation, and increased pressure especially for those on fixed or modest incomes.
Understanding when your pension age applies, seeing whether you qualify for concessions, and checking what your local council offers are critical steps.
Staying informed and planning ahead can help you manage the delay and ensure you don’t miss out on alternative support.
FAQs
Does everyone born between 1961-1977 lose their free bus pass completely?
No. They don’t lose it permanently; they just have to wait until their State Pension age (which will be 67 for those born in that range) to qualify. Also, exemptions for disability or low-income may allow earlier free or discounted travel.
Are there locations or councils where you can still get a free bus pass earlier?
Yes, some local councils offer local concessions or reduced/free travel schemes not strictly tied to pension age. These vary widely by area. It’s worth checking with your local council.
Could the pension age, and thus the free bus pass age, go up even more?
Yes. There is a planned further increase of State Pension age to 68, due between 2044 and 2046, which would push eligibility for free travel further for younger cohorts.
