UK rejects universal free bus passes for under-22s over affordability

The government has rejected a proposal to trial free bus passes for people under 22 in England, saying the scheme is unaffordable under the current spending review period that runs until 2028-29. In a response published on Friday, ministers also declined a recommendation to set national minimum service levels for buses, arguing both moves would be difficult to fund and to implement consistently across diverse areas.

The recommendation to pilot universal free travel for under-22s was one of several put forward by the Transport Committee in a report in August. Committee members said a trial would improve young people’s access to education and jobs and could help reverse long-term declines in ridership. The committee pointed to falling passenger numbers, fares rising faster than inflation, and an estimated reduction in the bus sector’s contribution to the economy of about 8.9 billion pounds between 2011 and 2023 as evidence that targeted intervention is needed.

The government said it recognises potential benefits of expanding concessionary travel but that no additional funding is available within the current fiscal envelope. Officials added that the country’s varied demographics...