Media Centre

Merseytravel ensures free travel for over 60s: 29 March 2010; Changes to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) will not affect the people of Merseyside.

The changes, announced by the Department for Transport, means that over the next ten years the age at which people are entitled to their free bus pass will gradually rise from 60 to 65.

But Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said:“Merseytravel will continue to provide free travel on buses, trains and ferries after 9.30am for everyone over the age of 60 or who meet the disability criteria– a policy that we initially introduced 22 years ago.

“The additional costs because of changes to the English National Bus Scheme will be negligible. We estimate it would mean providing a maximum additional 3,000 passes a year if everyone who is eligible applies and we have provided for this cost.”.

“They are more than compensated for by the benefits, both social and economic, brought by free travel.

“For example, during the summer months our trains to Southport are filled with day trippers taking advantage of concessionary travel and these visitors are spending money in the local economy.

“Free concessionary travel brings social mobility to our senior citizens and allows them to enjoy a healthier and better quality of life.”; Back to Media Centre