Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that eligible disabled people will get free bus travel all day, every day, as the Government will lift time restrictions on concessionary passes.
From April 1, 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day. This extra support will help to open up access to workplaces, education, training, and other opportunities as well as giving people breathing space on the cost of living and putting money back in people’s pockets, Mr Burnham said.
Current restrictions and funding
Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9.30am and 11pm during weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension. For example, Greater Manchester Combined Authority permanently lifted the time restrictions from March this year.
Backed by £60 million of funding, the Government is now stepping in to remove these time restrictions across the whole of England, so that from next year, disabled bus pass holders can always travel for free, regardless of their postcode. Last month, the PM announced that the price of single bus tickets will be capped at £2, as reported by ChronicleLive.
Reactions and support
With the latest rule change, Mr 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."
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 added: "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."
Charities welcome the change
A number of charities have welcomed the announcement. Jon Sparkes, CEO of Mencap, the learning disability charity, 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 and social change with Scope, added: "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."
