‘All day’ concessionary bus pass travel in Cambridgeshire moves a step closer

A major step forward in bringing all-day free travel for older people and those with disabilities who have bus passes in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been taken.

Currently, concessionary bus pass holders are limited off-peak times, which are from 9:30am on weekdays and at weekends.

But the Combined Authority’s transport and infrastructure committee on Wednesday approved recommending to the Combined Authority Board to enable pass holders across the county to travel for free all day from May 2025.

This would be an additional benefit on top of the nationwide English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) and only for residents who hold a Cambridgeshire and Peterborough-issued concessionary pass. The Board will take the decision next month.

The proposals are in response to local feedback raising awareness of the challenges concessionary pass holders have when dependent on public transport for peak-time obligations or opportunities.

The proposals are part of the Combined Authority’s wider goal to make bus services work better for all communities.

The Combined Authority already enables additional local concessions for pass holders including a 50 percent fare reduction for Dial-a-Ride passengers; pre-9:30 am travel for sight-impaired people and pre-9:30 am travel for all pass holders where the only service leaving a settlement on that day is scheduled to depart before 9:30am.

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, said: “Many older people and people with disabilities rely on their bus passes for greater independence and better access to services, and this change would give them even greater flexibility with travel. It is another great example of the Combined Authority’s work to make buses meet the needs of our communities.”

Jess Slater, chief executive at Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “At Healthwatch, we understand how vital accessible transport is for people with disabilities to maintain their independence and well-being.

“We also recognise the need for greater flexibility in travel times, particularly the desire to extend the scheme to allow travel before 9:30 am, as seen in other regions. Ensuring accessible, timely transport options is key to improving health outcomes and quality of life for all.’’

The cost of the extension is expected to be £536,513 per year, covered by a forecasted £1 million underspend in the wider concessionary budget.