All time restrictions to be lifted on concessionary passes in England from April 1, 2027.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that disabled people will be able to travel for free on buses in England all day, every day. The initiative, backed by £60m investment from government, aims to support access to work, education and training, and other opportunities. The Department for Work and Pensions will provide £40m, the Department for Transport the remaining £20m.
At present, a disabled bus pass can be used only between 9.30 am and 11 pm on weekdays. That is, unless a local authority decides to fund an extension. For example, Greater Manchester Combined Authority lifted all time restrictions as of March this year.
Eligibility for a disabled bus pass is based on seven criteria, as set out in the Transport Act 2000. They include being blind or partially sighted; profoundly or severely deaf; without speech; unable or virtually unable to walk because of 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 drug or alcohol misuse. Local authorities are responsible for administering the scheme in their area.
The announcement follows news that all bus fares will be capped at £2 during 2027, in some cases saving people a third on fares. This month, those under-16 have also been able to travel for free on local bus services.
However, the announcement also comes amid cuts to Access to Work payments that have included travel grants. Yesterday, the TV writer Annalisa Dinnella, who has 5% vision, shared her experience of these cuts in a piece for the Guardian. ‘I cannot access public transport independently,’ she said.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham says: ‘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.’
Heidi Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport, adds: ‘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.’
Photo: Mitchell Johnson / Unsplash
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