Disabled people across England will be able to use their bus passes for free at any time of the day or night under a major expansion of concessionary travel announced by the Labour Government.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed that existing national time restrictions on disabled bus passes will be abolished from 1 April 2027, backed by £60 million of government funding.
At present, the national concession generally provides free weekday travel between 9.30am and 11pm, although individual local authorities can fund more generous arrangements. The change will establish 24/7 free bus travel for eligible disabled pass holders across England, regardless of where they live.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the move, saying on X: “We’re lifting restrictions on disabled bus passes so they can be used to travel for free 24/7.
“We’re putting an end to the postcode lottery, so disabled people can access opportunity, and see friends and family whenever they want, wherever they live.”
Burnham said buses were a “lifeline” for many people, providing access to employment, 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,” the Prime Minister said.
“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.”
Burnham introduced all-day concessionary travel in Greater Manchester while serving as mayor, with the permanent removal of time restrictions taking effect there earlier this year. The Government is now extending the principle nationwide.
The £60 million required for the national change will come from existing government budgets, with £40 million provided by the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million by the Department for Transport.
Ministers argue that the measure will not only reduce living costs but remove a practical barrier facing disabled people trying to get to work, training, education or appointments early in the morning.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “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.”
Disability organisations have also welcomed the announcement. Mencap said the reform would help address the additional costs faced by disabled people, while Scope said making free travel available throughout the day would put money back into people’s pockets and remove barriers to everyday life.
The policy forms part of Burnham’s wider focus on reducing the cost of living. The Government has also committed to maintaining the £2 bus fare cap throughout 2027, while under-16s have been offered free local bus travel during this summer.
Alexander said the latest change demonstrated that ministers had listened to disabled people.
“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,” she said.
