Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that disabled bus pass holders will be able to travel for free around the clock, with the change coming into effect on April 1 next year. The move lifts current restrictions that limit use of the passes to between 9.30am and 11pm, unless local authorities fund additional hours.
Ending the 'postcode lottery'
The government has allocated £60 million to make round-the-clock travel available across England. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the change would end the "postcode lottery" for disabled people, allowing them to travel whenever they need, wherever they live.
Mr Burnham said: "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."
Support for workers and campaigners
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the move would help disabled people access jobs, training, and other opportunities at any time of the day. He said: "For too long, disabled people have held a free bus pass in their pocket that didn't always get them to work."
The announcement has been welcomed by disability groups. Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Mencap, said it was "welcome relief" for disabled people struggling with the cost of living, adding: "Most importantly though it removes the inference that disabled people can't or shouldn't work."
James Taylor, a director at 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."
