Older residents in Stoke-on-Trent will be able to travel for free on local buses before 9.30am on weekdays from Monday 5 October 2026.
The city council has approved a new local enhancement to the government-funded English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). The Potteries Freedom Pass initiative will allow older people's pass holders to travel free before 9.30am Monday to Friday as part of a pilot running until 31 March 2027.
The scheme makes it easier for eligible residents to reach medical appointments, see family or do the weekly shop without time constraints on their bus pass use.
From Any Time on Any Day
Under the national ENCTS scheme, eligible older pass holders currently receive free bus travel after 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and on Bank Holidays.
The Potteries Freedom Pass means older people's pass holders will be able to travel free at any time, on any day of the week, across participating local bus services in Stoke-on-Trent. By introducing the scheme, Stoke-on-Trent City Council becomes one of only a handful of local authorities in England to fund unlimited travel for residents of state pension age.
Building on Disabled Passengers Scheme
The initiative follows the successful introduction of free pre-9.30am travel for disabled bus pass holders in September 2025 and forms part of the council's commitment to improving accessibility and reducing transport costs.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Growth, Regeneration and Transport, said: "We know that many residents need to travel earlier in the day for medical appointments, volunteering opportunities, employment, shopping and other essential activities. Removing the cost barrier for early morning journeys will help people remain independent, stay connected and access the services they need."
Bus Operators on Board
The city council has reached an agreement with local bus operators – D&G Bus, First Potteries, Scraggs and Stantons of Stoke – to deliver the enhancement. A joint marketing campaign will encourage greater use of public transport.
The scheme sits alongside the £2 bus fare cap and upcoming 24/7 free travel for disabled pass holders from April 2027, as part of a wider package to make bus travel more affordable and accessible across the city.