Thousands more people will be eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard from Wednesday, with the pass estimated to save around £132 a year on rail travel. The eligibility criteria are being expanded to include people with a long-term impairment, health condition or neurodivergence that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months and significantly affects their ability to use rail services.
Who can get the railcard now?
Currently, the railcard is available to anyone who has a disability that makes travelling by train difficult and can provide official proof of their condition, such as receipt of disability benefits, proof of visual or hearing impairments, and Blue Badge holders. The card gets customers and their companion a third off rail travel and costs either £20 for a year or £54 for three years.
The change was announced today (September 30). The Rail Delivery Group said the changes are designed to better support disabled people who may face barriers to rail travel.
What officials said
Dan Mann, co-chief executive officer at the Rail Delivery Group, said: "Rail connects people to jobs, education, family and communities and we want those connections to be accessible to as many people as possible. Expanding eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard will help more disabled people who face additional barriers when travelling by train access more affordable journeys. It is another step towards putting accessibility at the heart of the railway as we move towards Great British Railways."
Rail minister Lord Hendy said: "Expanding eligibility for our Disabled Persons Railcard will help thousands more people access cheaper rail travel, helping disabled people travel with confidence."
For full eligibility criteria and more details on how to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard, visit the Railcard website.
