The latest Concessionary Travel statistics, released by the DfT for year ending March 2025, show gradual growth in concessionary travel activity across England. The number of older and disabled passes rose to 8.9 million, while concessionary bus journeys increased to 624 million in 2024/25. Financially, both total reimbursement to bus operators (£795 million) and overall net expenditure on schemes (£995 million) rose by around 8%, indicating stronger demand and usage after several years of subdued activity.
Recovery from the pandemic continues but remains uneven. Overall concessionary journeys reached 78% of 2020 levels, with London showing the strongest rebound at 89%. Metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas lag behind, at 71% and 74% respectively. These regional differences reflect variations in service availability, population density, and travel patterns.
Usage per pass also increased modestly, averaging 70.3 journeys per year, with much higher rates in London (191 journeys) than elsewhere. Although utilisation is still well below the 2011 peak, the upward trend suggests improving passenger confidence and mobility. Long-term spending trends show real-terms decline since 2011, but current expenditure is rising again, with around 80% directed toward operator reimbursement and statutory concessions continuing to account for the majority of costs.
Read the full report on DfT website: Concessionary Travel Statistics: year ending March 2025
