Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced today that eligible disabled people in England will get free bus travel all day from 1 April 2027, in a bid to support more people to get to work and education.
At the moment, disabled bus pass users can only travel for free between 9:30am and 11pm, but CEO of Bus Users UK, Lydia Horbury says disabled people “don’t live off-peak lives”.
“Lifting these restrictions nationwide replaces an arbitrary postcode lottery with genuine freedom, independence and dignity.
“It will help more disabled people access work, reduce isolation, support bus use and reduce unnecessary car dependency.”
At the moment, local authorities can choose whether to fund an extension to the hours, creating a different experience depending on where a person lives. Greater Manchester Combined Authority extended the hours in March.
People are eligible for a disabled person’s bus pass based on seven statutory categories of disability set out in the Transport Act 2000.
People with epilepsy can be eligible for free bus travel through the category that states that people who would be refused a driving licence on medical grounds (other than because of drug or alcohol misuse) can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass.
Free bus travel removes barriers
James Taylor, executive director strategy impact and social change 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.”
As well as making workplaces, education, training and other opportunities more accessible, the government says this move will give people “breathing space” around the cost of living.
The move is backed by £60 million from existing budgets from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Transport (DfT).
The Prime Minister 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 ill not have unlimited free bus travel 24/7.”
This is a part of the government’s ongoing reform of the welfare system. It has also invested £3.5 billion into tailored employment support aiming to support disabled people and those with health conditions to “fulfil their full potential and stay in or return to work”.
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister also announced a cap on single bus travel of £2, reducing travel costs by one third for the duration of 2027, to make people’s journeys more affordable.
Epilepsy Action has more information on epilepsy and driving, and travel and public transport.
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