Disabled bus pass holders to travel for free in England

The Government has announced that, from April 1, 2027, time restrictions on concessionary passes will be removed, allowing eligible disabled people to use buses without charge 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for free travel between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays unless a local authority chooses to fund longer hours.

The change will bring all areas of England in line with Greater Manchester, where the time restrictions were permanently lifted earlier this year.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Buses are a lifeline for so many people – making it easier to get to work, education and healthcare.

“It’s simply not right that many disabled people cannot travel using their pass during certain times of the day.

“So we’re fixing that.

“Disabled people will now have unlimited free bus travel 24/7.

“I did it before in Greater Manchester and I’m proud to do it now for the whole country.

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“This is part of our ongoing action to bring back hope and give people some much-needed breathing space on the cost of living.”

The nationwide change is backed by £60 million in funding and is part of the Government’s broader plans to make public transport more accessible and affordable.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “We’re putting an end to this postcode lottery, so disabled people can travel on buses for free whenever they need, wherever they live – unlocking opportunities and access to jobs, learning, and more.

“We are making this change because we’ve listened to disabled people, and we know the importance of buses to local communities.

“These passes are a lifeline for so many, helping them stay connected and get to work and appointments, and it’s only right they receive the same treatment, no matter their postcode.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the change would help remove barriers to employment and education.

Mr McFadden said: “For too long, disabled people have held a free bus pass in their pocket that didn’t always get them to work.

“Now we’re changing that.

“By removing these time restrictions, we’re helping disabled people access jobs, training, and other opportunities at any time of the day.

“Alongside our £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support, this change shows we’re serious about breaking down the barriers that have held disabled people back for too long.”

Disability and transport charities have welcomed the announcement.

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Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Mencap, said: “This is welcome relief for disabled people struggling with the cost of living as well as the extra costs of being disabled.

“Most importantly though, it removes the inference that disabled people can’t or shouldn’t work.

“Disabled people should have the same opportunities as anyone else to work or contribute to society in some other way and this will help level that playing field.”

James Taylor, Executive Director Strategy Impact & Social Change with Scope said: “Disabled people face extra costs every day and many need to travel in the morning for work, education and healthcare.

“Making free bus travel available around the clock is a welcome step that will put money back in people’s pockets and remove barriers to everyday life.”

Eligibility for a disabled person’s bus pass is set out in the Transport Act 2000 and includes people who are blind or partially sighted, profoundly or severely deaf, without speech, unable or virtually unable to walk because of a disability, without arms, or unable to use both arms, people with a learning disability, and people who would be refused a driving licence on medical grounds (other than because of drug or alcohol misuse).

This is part of the Government’s wider commitment to better, affordable, reliable buses, including the £2 bus fare cap, free bus travel for kids this summer and giving local leaders control over their buses.