Pensioners to get free bus travel

£250m has been promised for free bus travel

Pensioners and disabled people in England are to get free off-peak bus travel anywhere in the country, the government has promised.

It said in the Queen's Speech that it would give £250m a year for the scheme.

Disabled bus passengers and those aged over 60 will get free travel from 9.30am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and all day on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The government said the Concessionary Bus Travel Bill would help in "improving social inclusion".

At the moment, pensioners and disabled people are only entitled to free bus travel within their local authority area.

In the bill, the government is promising regulations to "harmonise" concessionary passes across the UK.

It also says local authorities will be able to offer extra concessions to those offered nationwide.

A similar scheme to the England-wide free travel pledge already exists in Wales.