Extend the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme to cover local trains

We believe free concessionary local train travel for the elderly can provide many benefits - improved mobility, social engagement, access to essential services, alleviation of loneliness and isolation, cost savings and health benefits. Some research has found that loneliness and isolation can have comparable impacts on health to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The England’s Chief Medical Officer recent annual report, which looked at the quality of life for older citizens, highlighted the importance of transport to deliver that quality. This change would enable elderly individuals to move around more easily and independently, and could help address levelling up and better enable millions to take more responsibility for their health.