Older people in Stoke-on-Trent will be able to travel free on local buses before 9.30am on weekdays from next week.
From Monday 5 October, holders of an older person's bus pass will be able to use it at any time, on any day, on participating local services across the city, under a pilot scheme called the Potteries Freedom Pass.
Until now, the national concessionary scheme has only given free travel after 9.30am on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council says the change will make it easier for people to get to early medical appointments, see family or do the weekly shop without watching the clock. The pilot runs until 31 March 2027.
The council says it is one of only a handful of local authorities in England to fund unlimited travel for residents of state pension age. It has agreed the scheme with local operators D&G Bus, First Potteries, Scraggs and Stantons of Stoke.
It follows the introduction of free pre-9.30am travel for disabled pass holders in September 2025. The council says free travel for disabled pass holders at any time of day is due to follow from April.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, the council's 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."
He added: "This sits alongside the £2 bus fare cap and the upcoming 24/7 free travel for disabled pass holders from April, as part of a wider package to make bus travel more affordable and accessible right across the city."
The council says the scheme will be paid for from its existing concessionary fares budget.
Details of eligibility for a free bus pass are on the Stoke-on-Trent City Council website.
Photo by Tim Heaton, CC BY-SA 2.0.
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