Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the restrictions on concessionary bus pass use on weekdays before 9:30am on (a) older and (b) disabled people accessing (i) medical appointments and (ii) employment.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (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, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.

No specific assessment has been made on the potential impact of extending the ENCTS to the groups you have mentioned or removing the 9:30am travel restriction on access to appointments and employment. However, local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources.

The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in local areas to support the local economy and environment.