Labour MP Alex Ballinger has welcomed the Government’s decision to scrap time restrictions on disabled bus passes in England, describing the move as an example of Labour putting fairness at the heart of government.
Under the changes announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government, eligible disabled people will be able to use their concessionary bus passes for free at any time of the day, seven days a week.
The reform removes national restrictions which have generally limited free weekday travel to between 9.30am and 11pm, although some councils already provide more generous local schemes.
Ballinger, the MP for Halesowen, said the change would ensure disabled people were no longer prevented from using their passes at certain times of the day.
Writing on X, he said:
“This Labour government does. We’re scrapping rules around using disabled bus passes so all disabled people can use their pass all day, every day.
“This is a government focused on fairness.”
Ballinger also criticised Reform UK’s approach, saying: “It seems Reform don’t care about disabled people… at least that’s how it looks.”
The Government says the nationwide change will end a postcode lottery in which the hours disabled people can travel for free can vary depending on decisions taken by individual local authorities.
The policy is designed to make it easier for disabled people to travel to work, education, training and appointments, as well as visit friends and family, without having to pay simply because their journey falls outside existing concessionary hours.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has also backed the measure, saying the Government was “putting an end to the postcode lottery” and giving disabled people greater freedom to access opportunities regardless of where they live.
The reform follows a similar policy introduced by Burnham during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester and forms part of the Government’s wider programme to reduce everyday living costs and improve public transport.
The Government has committed £60 million to support the nationwide expansion, with the new arrangements due to take effect from April 2027.
Ballinger’s intervention adds to support from Labour MPs for the policy, which ministers argue will provide both practical help with the cost of living and greater independence for disabled people across England.
