Eligible older residents in Stoke-on-Trent will be able to travel for free on local buses before 9.30am on weekdays from next week.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has approved a new local enhancement to the government-funded English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).

The Potteries Freedom Pass will allow older people's pass holders to travel free before 9.30am Monday to Friday from Monday 5 October 2026, as part of a pilot running until 31 March 2027.

This means older people's pass holders will be able to travel free at any time, on any day of the week, across participating Stoke-on-Trent bus services.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Growth, Regeneration and Transport at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "We are committed to making it easier and more affordable for people to travel across Stoke-on-Trent, and I'm delighted that we are now able to extend this additional support to older people's bus pass holders.

"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."

Under the national ENCTS scheme, eligible older and disabled 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 initiative follows the introduction of free pre-9.30am travel for disabled bus pass holders in September 2025.

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.

It will also be supported by a joint marketing campaign to encourage greater use of public transport.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council says the new scheme will make them one of only a handful of local authorities in England to fund unlimited travel for residents of state pension age.

Councillor Gordon-McCusker added: "The introduction of free pre-9.30am travel for disabled pass holders has been well received and the Potteries Freedom Pass builds on that success.

"We will continue to work closely with our bus operators and monitor passenger numbers as the scheme develops.

"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.

"We want to encourage more residents to choose the bus whenever possible. Not only does this help people save money, but it also supports our wider ambitions around accessibility, sustainability and reducing social isolation."

The council has confirmed that the Potteries Freedom Pass will be met within the existing concessionary fares budget.

For information about concessionary bus travel and eligibility criteria, visit the Stoke-on-Trent City Council website here.