The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a 90 minute free bus change for passengers in England. Under new rules announced by the DWP, Department for Transport (DfT) and 10 Downing Street last month, time restrictions on concessionary bus passes will be lifted from April 2027.
The change will allow disabled passengers across England to travel on buses for free all day, every day. Under current rules, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel during a short 90 minute window between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension. For example, Greater Manchester Combined Authority permanently lifted the time restrictions from March this year.
Government removes restrictions nationwide
But the government is removing these time restrictions across the whole of England from April, helping to ease the cost of living for passengers. From April 1, 2027, people in England who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses free of charge, no matter the time of day and regardless of their postcode.
The government said this extra support will help to open up access to workplaces, education, training, and other opportunities, as well as helping to put money back in people’s pockets. The plans come as part of the government’s wider commitment to more affordable and reliable buses, including the £2 bus fare cap from January 2027, free bus travel for kids across England this August, and giving local leaders control over their buses through the Bus Services Act.
Minister and PM comment on the change
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said last month: “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.”
The lifting of the time restrictions on concessionary passes will be backed by £60 million of funding from existing DWP and DfT budgets.
Eligibility and administration
Eligibility for a disabled bus pass, as set out in the Transport Act 2000, includes those who meet the following seven statutory categories of disability: people who are blind or partially sighted; people who are profoundly or severely deaf; people without speech; people who are unable or virtually unable to walk because of a disability; people 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).
Local authorities are responsible for administering the scheme and for assessing applications against these statutory criteria.
Confirming the time changes from April, 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. This is part of our ongoing action to bring back hope and give people some much needed breathing space on the cost of living.”
