Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a fresh message onpublic transport coststhis morning, stressing that taking the bus 'shouldn't cost the earth'. His thoughts come after bus fares on thousands of routes in England were previously capped at £3 until 2027.

"Catching the bus shouldn’t cost the earth," Sir Keir said on X,formerly Twitter, this morning. "That’s why we are capping bus fares at £3 and investing in new buses and stops."

Earlier this year, theGovernment's Spending Review revealed that its £3 bus fare cap would remain in effect until at least March 2027. This measure, which applies to most bus routes in England, was first introduced in January 2023. While the cap was initially £2, this was subsequently increased to £3 on single bus fares outside London from January 2025.

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The Government has explained that participation in the fare cap initiative is voluntary, meaning some firms have chosen not to take part. Instead, local companies may offer 'other types of tickets that are suitable' for similar needs.

"Some types of routes are not covered by this scheme so they are not included, for example, coach services, school-only services or airport services," the Government further advises online. "Fares are capped locally in London, so it is not included in this scheme. Routes listed as 'not included' in the national £3 fare cap may still offer a discounted fare as part of a locally run initiative."

Despite this, residents of England who are considered 'eligible disabled' may obtain a bus pass for completely free off-peak local travel, thanks to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). Similarly, residents of England and Wales can obtain free bus passes upon reaching State Pension Age, or at the age of 60 in London specifically.

The regional disparity between London and the rest of England has recently taken centre stage in public debate, following a parliamentary petition that collected over 100,000 signatures. This campaign argued that the current situation is 'unjust' and free bus travel should be extended to all people over 60 in England.

The Department for Transport (DfT) responded to these complaints in February this year, stating that 'any changes to the statutory scheme must be carefully considered for their impact on its financial sustainability'. However, the subject will soon be debated in Parliament on January 5, 2026.

The DfT response continued: "The ENCTS provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.

"Local authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by extending the age of eligibility for the older persons’ bus pass. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area."

At the time, it also added: "Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area and as such, the eligibility age for the bus pass differs between the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. This means, in effect, that there are different schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the administrative arrangements are entirely separate."

If you are reaching State Pension age or are considered 'eligible disabled'and are interested in applying for a bus pass, refer to the Government's website for further information. You can also read the now-closed bus pass petition at Parliament's website here.

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