Okay, deep breath. The Young Persons’ Bus Pass (for ages 16–21 which is already a thing in some areas) is getting a price bump. It’s going up by £15 a year from October 2026.
Why? Inflation, mate. Also, apparently, magic doesn’t pay for new buses. The pass still covers unlimited travel, but now it costs as much as a decent takeaway pizza every month. The trade-off is that the night bus is now included until 4 AM. So if you’re stumbling home from a gig, at least you won’t be cold.
Is that fair? You tell me. I’m just the messenger who’s still trying to figure out how to scan my phone in the rain.
London’s Bizarre New Rule
Ah, London. Never change. The Oyster card is not dying (relax, hipsters), but from October 2026, you can’t use a regular bus pass on TfL buses unless it’s linked to a contactless device. Yes, you read that right: your old plastic card won’t work unless you’ve paired it with your phone.
This is either a masterstroke of efficiency or a dystopian nightmare. Personally, I think it’s both. Imagine your grandmother trying to pair her bus pass with an iPhone. Good luck with that, Gran.
"UK Free Bus Pass Changes 2026 – Eligibility, Rules & What You Must
Oh, and the Hopper fare is extending to two hours. So you can get off, grab a coffee, and hop back on without paying extra. Finally, a win for the indecisive!
