Department of Methodology research mentioned in Parliament

This week research from Professor Alasdair Jones, former Deputy Head of Methodology, was mentioned in a parliamentary debate about Free Bus Travel for over-60s.

On Monday 5 January 2026, Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed referenced the research:

"Research by the London School of Economics shows that a policy of free transport for the over-60s would deliver powerful and measurable benefits. Older bus pass holders are 37% less likely to be sedentary."

Professor Jones' paper, titled 'More than A to B: the role of free bus travel for the mobility and wellbeing of older citizens in London', was published in 2014 alongside co-authors Judith Green and Helen Roberts, in Ageing and Society journal.

The debate can be read on the UK Parliament website.