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Bus Services: Concessions

Asked by Neil Duncan-JordanLabourDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 30 June 2026UIN 13434

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she plans to provide people not in education, employment or training with free bus travel.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

The Government recognises the importance of affordable bus travel in helping to reduce barriers to opportunity. We have introduced a £3 cap on single bus fares in England outside London, which has been extended until March 2027, helping millions of passengers travel for less. We are also supporting families through targeted measures, including providing funding for free bus travel for children aged 5 to 15 on participating local buses in England in August.

Alongside this, the Government is investing over £3 billion from 2026/27 to improve and maintain bus services. This funding gives local transport authorities the flexibility to deliver services and fares that meet the needs of their communities, including introducing reduced or free bus travel for specific groups of people. We believe that local leaders are best placed to choose how to use this funding to deliver the best outcomes for passengers.

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