Over 10,100 signatures have propelled an online petition calling for England's bus travel scheme to mirror Scotland's, providing free bus travel for those aged 60 and over. The petition argues for 'equality for everyone over 60', highlighting the current disparity where free bus travel is not available until State Pension age (66).
More than 10,100 people have signed an online petition calling for changes to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) to align it with the service provided by the Scottish Government for individuals over 60 residing in Scotland . The e-petition has reached the threshold to receive a written response from the UK Government, with 100,000 signatures potentially leading to a debate in Parliament.
Petition creator Karen Hickman asserts that the current scheme is 'unjust' and advocates for 'equality for everyone over 60'. She emphasizes that people in England, excluding London, are ineligible for free bus travel until they reach State Pension age, which is 66 for both men and women, a situation she views as 'changed dramatically'. The 'extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England' petition states: '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. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.' The UK Government's Concessionary Travel Schemes encompass two primary categories: older individuals and eligible disabled people. While State Pension age currently stands at 66 for both genders, the eligibility criteria for concessionary travel can vary across local authorities and the specific terms of the scheme in place. In Scotland, individuals aged 60 and above can apply for the National Entitlement Card (NEC), managed by the Scottish Government. This national smartcard grants access to numerous public services throughout Scotland. The NEC provides free bus travel across Scotland and, through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, offers reductions on train, Subway, and ferry fares. The NEC is valid for up to three years, but the renewal process has been streamlined. SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT's National Concessionary Travel Scheme
CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL ENGLAND SCOTLAND PETITION OVER 60S BUS TRAVEL PUBLIC TRANSPORT AGEISM UK GOVERNMENT NATIONAL ENTITLEMENT CARD
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