Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate missed a couple of matches due to his father passing away, and he was supposed to miss the Newcastle clash on Saturday as well. However, Konate was back in the team for that game and even scored the final goal of a 4-1 victory, and head coach Arne Slot says the […]
The UK Government has issued an important update on the ongoing debate regarding free bus travel for young people and seniors. The response from the Department for Transport (DfT) comes amid calls to expand concessionary bus passes to include all residents under 19 and over 60. The recent debate followed growing public support for free bus travel for over-60s, a policy already implemented in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Government’s update included a commitment to funding for local authorities, which could enable them to introduce initiatives for free bus travel for these age groups.
Challenges of Extending Free Travel Across England
The debate on extending free bus travel has intensified over the past few months, with local authorities facing increasing pressure to adopt similar schemes to those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These regions offer free bus travel to their over-60 population, a move that has proven successful in increasing mobility and accessibility. However, in England, the policy remains inconsistent, with only Transport for London (TfL) and a few other regions offering free or discounted fares for the elderly. The Department for Transport’s response confirmed that funding is available to extend free travel for those under 19, but the overall financial sustainability of such a scheme would need to be carefully assessed.
Government Response to Concessionary Travel Questions
In a recent parliamentary exchange, the Department for Transport addressed concerns raised by Tory MP Richard Holden, who asked about the cost of extending the statutory concessionary bus travel scheme across the UK to include everyone aged 19 and under. Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the DfT, confirmed that the government is aware of the importance of affordable bus services, particularly for young people accessing education, employment, and essential services. However, the DfT emphasized that any changes to eligibility criteria would require significant consideration of their financial implications. The current system, the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), already costs around £795 million annually in reimbursement to bus operators.
Funding Support for Local Authorities
The UK Government has committed £3 billion in funding from 2026 to 2027 to support local authorities and bus operators in improving bus services across England. This funding will be allocated via the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG), which could be used to introduce initiatives that reduce bus travel costs for young people. However, the responsibility for implementing free travel for under-19s will lie with individual local authorities. The DfT also confirmed that this funding could potentially help support new initiatives for over-60s in areas where local authorities choose to extend the concession.
The Case for Free Bus Travel for Over-60s
A major issue discussed was the disparity between regions. While older citizens in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland enjoy free bus travel, many in England do not have access to similar benefits. MPs have argued that free travel for the over-60s would not only alleviate financial pressures but also reduce social isolation, enhance access to healthcare, and support ongoing involvement in work and community activities. Various reports, including one from Standard Life, have highlighted the increasing financial insecurity among people in their early 60s, making free bus travel a more pressing issue than ever before.
Impact on Business Travel and Tourism
For business travellers and tourists, the current state of free bus travel across the UK has significant implications. In cities like London, where over-60s can already access free travel with the Oyster photocard, the benefits are clear. Business travellers, especially those attending conferences or meetings in urban centres, often rely on efficient and cost-effective public transport to navigate cities. Extending free bus travel could lower costs for both local residents and visitors, encouraging more sustainable travel options and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
For tourists, particularly those from overseas, understanding the varying policies on bus travel across regions can be essential for budgeting. Cities with free or heavily subsidised travel for the elderly may offer better access to local attractions and services, while areas without such provisions may see tourists, particularly senior travellers, spending more on transportation.
Step-by-Step Guidelines for Tourists and Travellers
Check Local Travel Policies: Before your trip, check the local bus travel policies in the region you are visiting to ensure you are aware of the eligibility for free travel.
Use Travel Cards: Many regions in the UK offer travel cards that can save you money on public transport. In London, the Oyster Card offers discounted fares for seniors.
Plan Your Journey in Advance: Plan your routes and check bus timetables to ensure you can navigate your destination efficiently.
Use Government Resources: Visit the official UK Government website for the latest updates on bus travel policies and funding for local authorities.
Explore Discounts and Offers: Keep an eye out for discounted travel packages or passes, which may become available as local authorities introduce new fare initiatives.
Key Points at a Glance
Free bus travel is already available for over-60s in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but not universally across England.
The UK Government is exploring funding for local authorities to extend concessionary travel, including free bus travel for those under 19.
Local authorities have the flexibility to introduce initiatives for younger or older residents using government funding.
The current cost of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) is approximately £795 million annually.
Free bus travel for seniors can support financial relief, reduce social isolation, and improve access to healthcare and work.
Additional Information for Tourists
For tourists, knowing the local transport policies can significantly impact travel costs. In cities like London and Liverpool, free or discounted travel for over-60s can help you save money on transportation, making it easier to explore major attractions without breaking the bank. For younger travellers, many regions offer discounted travel cards, so be sure to ask about these at the local transport station.
Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated
Dominik Szoboszlai has admitted that his future at Liverpool is no longer in his hands after confirming there has been no progress in contract extension talks with the club.
Dominik Szoboszlai: Liverpool future out of my hands
(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Speaking after Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle on Saturday, where he was forced into an emergency right-back role, Szoboszlai was candid about the lack of movement regarding a new deal.
“Nothing yet, to be honest. Nothing, from now on… it is not in my hands.”
“It works this way. When you would like to stay, then to be honest it is not…. there is no progression but if the right offer comes then let’s see.”
While his current contract runs until 2028, the club had reportedly opened talks earlier this season to reward his form.
However, Szoboszlai’s admission that the situation is “not on me” suggests a disconnect in negotiations between his representatives and sporting director Richard Hughes.
“Right now I am doing my job on the pitch, we will see in the future.
“I like the city, I like the club, I like playing with these guys. I love Anfield, I love the fans, let’s see what the future holds. It is not on me. I would love to (stay).”
Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s best player this season
The timing of the contract standoff is particularly worrying given that Szoboszlai has arguably been Liverpool’s standout performer this campaign.
He has been the club’s most consistent creative force and has already registered eight goals and seven assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.
His importance was on full display against Newcastle, where he filled in defensively due to injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.
Statistically, he leads the Premier League for shots from outside the box (34), underlining his role as a primary attacking threat.
He has also shown incredible versatility, having played six different positions so far.
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Attacking Midfield
10
1
1
Right Winger
6
2
1
Central Midfield
6
2
4
Right-Back
6
1
0
Defensive Midfield
3
1
1
Right Midfield
2
1
0
Total
33
8
7
Dominik Szoboszlai’s 2025/26 stats across different positions via Transfermarkt
With Liverpool currently competing for the Premier League and Champions League titles, losing their influential “number eight” would be a catastrophic blow to the project under Arne Slot.
Richard Hughes under fire for poor transfer dealings of late
The uncertainty surrounding Szoboszlai adds to the mounting pressure on sporting director Richard Hughes, who has come under heavy fire for a string of failed negotiations.
Fans have been left frustrated after Liverpool famously missed out on top defensive target Marc Guehi in the summer of 2025.
Despite reportedly having a deal agreed, Hughes was accused of leaving the finalization too late, allowing Crystal Palace to pull the plug. To make matters worse, Guehi joined rivals Manchester City just weeks ago in a cut-price January deal.
And now it appears that the move for Lutsharel Geertruida has also collapsed.
Despite personal terms being agreed with the RB Leipzig man (currently on loan at Sunderland), it is now being reported that the deal is unlikely to go through.
This as well as the lack of progress in contract talks with Szoboszlai and Konate has left fans frustrated.
According to multiple sources, Liverpool have been offered a chance to sign Lutsharel Geertruida, currently playing for Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig. The Merseysiders’ back line has been severely hit by injuries, and all three players that can play on the right defensive flank are currently out of action. The season is over for […]
According to multiple sources, Liverpool have been offered a chance to sign Lutsharel Geertruida, currently playing for Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig. The Merseysiders’ back line has been severely hit by injuries, and all three players that can play on the right defensive flank are currently out of action. The season is over for […]
According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter Milan are in talks with Liverpool to explore the possibility of signing Curtis Jones on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to buy. The move would depend on Davide Frattesi leaving before the window closes, with Nottingham Forest still waiting for a decision on that front. […]
According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter Milan are in talks with Liverpool to explore the possibility of signing Curtis Jones on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to buy. The move would depend on Davide Frattesi leaving before the window closes, with Nottingham Forest still waiting for a decision on that front. […]
Liverpool may have just been handed an unexpected transfer opportunity and it could help Arne Slot solve one of the biggest problems threatening their season.
Liverpool could use Curtis Jones to sign Denzel Dumfries
According to Romano, the Nerazzurri have identified Jones as their primary candidate to replace Davide Frattesi, who is closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest.
While discussions have reportedly begun around a loan with an option to buy, this latest development could open another door for the Reds.
According to reports emerging from Italy, later covered by The Mirror, Liverpool have made enquiries about Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries.
With Inter needing a technical midfielder and Liverpool desperate for a right-back, there is an opportunity for a potential exchange involving the two stars that could be discussed as the clubs look to find a solution before Monday’s deadline.
(Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s growing defensive urgency
Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that summer signing Jeremie Frimpong is set to miss several weeks with a muscle injury, joining Conor Bradley who is expected to be out for the season.
With no senior right-backs available, a move for Dumfries makes sense.
The Dutch international, who has frequently been linked with a move to Manchester United, would bring the Champions League experience, tactical versatility, and the kind of athletic profile suited to Premier League football.
Denzel Dumfries 24/25 stats for Inter Milan
A loan deal could be the ideal short-term fix to keep Liverpool’s top-four hopes alive.
Curtis Jones sacrifice may become necessary
While losing a homegrown talent like Curtis Jones mid-season would be a blow, it may be a sacrifice that the Reds will need to make.
Jones has struggled for consistent starts under Slot, finding himself behind the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz.
With midfield depth intact and defensive options stretched thin, Liverpool may be forced to prioritise addressing defensive crisis over midfield depth.
There is one potential complication, Dumfries is currently managing a minor injury himself and is not expected back until late February.
Still, Liverpool could see this as an opportunity too good to ignore, especially with top-four ambitions hanging in the balance.
Inter Milan have entered direct club-to-club negotiations with Liverpool for the signing of midfielder Curtis Jones, according to a bombshell update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian giants are reportedly pursuing a loan deal that includes a purchase option clause as they look to bolster their squad for the second half of the 2026 season.
The deal is part of a complex transfer domino effect currently unfolding across Europe. Inter’s move for the 25-year-old is directly linked to the potential exit of Davide Frattesi, who is currently a target for Nottingham Forest.
(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Inter Milan in talks with Liverpool for Curtis Jones
With the January window reaching its final stages, Romano has revealed that Inter and Liverpool officials are in active discussions.
Inter are eager to add technical quality to their midfield as they fight for the Serie A title and compete in the Champions League knockout stages.
“Inter are in direct club to club talks with Liverpool for Curtis Jones on loan deal with buy option clause. Negotiations ongoing but linked to Davide Frattesi exit with #NFFC waiting for an answer.”
???? Inter are in direct club to club talks with Liverpool for Curtis Jones on loan deal with buy option clause.
Negotiations ongoing but linked to Davide Frattesi exit with #NFFC waiting for an answer.
The prospect of losing Jones could go either way for the Reds in what is going to be a crucial second half of the season for them.
While the Scouser has never quite been an undisputed nailed on starter, he has matured into a vital squad player under Arne Slot.
In a season plagued by injuries, particularly in the defensive and midfield departments, Jones has provided essential tactical flexibility.
He has been deployed as a holding midfielder, an advanced “number ten,” and even filled in at right-back during an injury crisis earlier this year.
Letting him leave on loan without a direct replacement could be seen as a massive gamble for Slot, especially given the club’s current form.
Curtis Jones time at Liverpool
A product of the club’s academy since the age of nine, Jones has already surpassed 200 appearances for the Reds.
He has been a fixture of the first-team squad since 2020, helping the club secure two Premier League titles and multiple domestic cups.
Team
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Liverpool FC
208
19
23
Liverpool FC U21
34
13
5
Liverpool FC U18
29
15
6
Liverpool UEFA U19
18
13
3
Total
289
60
37
Curtis Jones – Liverpool stats across all levels via Transfermarkt
Known for his exceptional ball retention and scouse swagger on the pitch, Jones has often been hailed by coaching staff and teammates for his leadership qualities and his technical ability.
However, with his contract entering its final 18 months, both the player and the club may feel that a fresh challenge in Italy represents the best path forward if a regular starting role at Anfield remains elusive.
Liverpool breezed into the Champions League last-16 stage after hammering Qarabag 6-0 at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side secured automatic qualification with ease by finishing third in the league phase, while Qarabag’s thrashing still saw them into the knockout-stage play-offs, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Newcastle United. Hugo Ekitike fired an early warning […]
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