In the UK, people over the age of 66 do not receive discounts on public transportation

By TravelWiseFeb 18, 2024 10:10 AMNews
Share:
In the UK, people over the age of 66 do not receive discounts on public transportation
It is not yet known whether pensioners are entitled to free travel. Source: Photo: Pixabay

In the UK, individuals aged 66 and over may not be eligible for free public transportation. Despite calls for the introduction of travel privileges, the government denies working on a national scheme.

Currently, pensioners residing in London can apply for a Freedom Pass, allowing them to use local buses from 9:30 to 23:00 on weekdays and throughout the day on weekends. This information is reported by the Daily Express.

It is noted that the "Freedom Pass" can be utilized outside London, but this decision rests with local authorities. Consequently, the country grapples with the absence of a unified travel ticket covering the entire nation.

Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell raised this issue in Parliament and directed it to the Secretary of State for Transport. In response, Roads Minister Guy Opperman affirmed that legislation permits "mutual recognition" of travel cards. However, he acknowledged having "no plans" to consider a broader scheme.

"Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area, so the administrative arrangements in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland differ from those in England. The Concessionary Travel on Public Transport Act 2007 provides for the potential of mutual recognition of concessionary bus passes across the UK through future regulations, but there are currently no plans to introduce such a mechanism," stated Guy Opperman.

Currently, it is known that the petition initiated by Charles David Smith, urging the introduction of discounted travel cards, has garnered over 2300 signatures from concerned citizens. It is mentioned that to elicit a government response on this matter, the petition's author needs to amass the requisite 10,000 signatures.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Traveller using an EES Entry/Exit System screen at a European border

Europe Border Queues Could Hit Trips

Jun 11, 2026 22:44 PM
Zannier Île de Bendor hotel exterior with pool overlooking the sea

A French Island Retreat Reopens Near Bandol

Jun 11, 2026 22:31 PM

Power Banks Face Tougher Flight Rules

Jun 11, 2026 22:28 PM

Finnair Puts Turku and Tampere Back on the Map

Jun 11, 2026 22:15 PM
Aerial view of a small Sardinian beach with cliffs, turquoise water and boats

Sardinia Beach Trips Now Need a Plan

Jun 11, 2026 22:02 PM
Exterior of the ibis Styles Munich Airport hotel with green signage

Munich Airport Gets a New Sleepover Option

Jun 11, 2026 21:59 PM
easyJet aircraft parked at an airport on a rainy day

easyJet Picks Cheap Sun Breaks for Rainy Summer

Jun 11, 2026 21:46 PM
Aerial view of Zadar’s coastline with clear Adriatic water and seaside homes

Wizz Air Brings Zadar Closer to Central Europe

Jun 11, 2026 21:33 PM
Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square seen from the harbour

Helsinki Makes Summer Easy to Plan

Jun 11, 2026 21:27 PM

Bratislava Gets a Summer Shortcut to Mykonos

Jun 10, 2026 16:44 PM

Anantara Links Rome, Nice and Amalfi for Summer

Jun 10, 2026 16:31 PM
Wizz Air aircraft flying against a clear blue sky

Wizz Air Takes Wi-Fi Beyond Airplane Mode

Jun 10, 2026 16:28 PM
Pink suitcase standing on an airport floor beside a passenger

Cabin Bags Can Slow Aircraft Evacuations, IATA Warns

Jun 9, 2026 19:45 PM
Airline executives at Europe Japan joint venture signing ceremony

ITA Airways Joins a Bigger Japan–Europe Flight Network

Jun 9, 2026 19:32 PM
Turquoise bay with yachts and rocky coastline in Corsica

Corsica Gets a Direct Summer Link from Vienna

Jun 9, 2026 19:29 PM

Poland’s Baltic Mega-Hotel Opens with a Catch

Jun 8, 2026 22:26 PM

Toronto Returns to Budapest’s Summer Flight Board

Jun 7, 2026 20:13 PM
Skanderbeg Square in Tirana at dusk

Tirana Gets Six New Ryanair Summer Routes

Jun 7, 2026 20:07 PM
Visitors near the Universal globe at a resort entrance

Universal’s First European Theme Park Is Coming to Bedford

Jun 7, 2026 19:54 PM
Transavia aircraft flying against a blue sky

Transavia Opens Summer 2027 Bookings Early

Jun 7, 2026 19:41 PM
Colourful buildings in Kuressaare town centre

Saaremaa Gets an Easier Summer Flight Link

Jun 6, 2026 22:28 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft on the tarmac

Palermo, Dubrovnik and Bucharest Join Gdańsk’s Summer Board

Jun 6, 2026 22:15 PM

Riga to Tel Aviv Flights Could Return in July

Jun 6, 2026 22:02 PM

This Expedition Cabin Recreates 1896 at Sea

Jun 6, 2026 21:59 PM
Quentin Blake sitting in a wheelchair below a large blue illustration

London Opens a Museum Made for Illustration Lovers

Jun 6, 2026 21:46 PM
Lufthansa aircraft on a runway

Germany Drops a Transit Visa Hurdle for Indian Flyers

Jun 5, 2026 22:03 PM