Disabled people across England will be able to travel for free on buses at any time of the day from April 1, 2027, after the government announced plans to remove time restrictions on concessionary bus passes. The change, backed by £60 million in funding, is aimed at improving access to work, education, training, healthcare and social activities while easing the cost of living for eligible disabled people.
Free bus travel for disabled people from April 2027
Under the new policy, holders of eligible disabled bus passes will be able to use their passes for free throughout the day, including during morning and evening peak periods. The government said the nationwide change will end differences between local authorities, where some councils have already chosen to extend the hours of concessionary travel.
At present, disabled bus passes are generally valid between 9:30am and 11pm on weekdays, although local authorities can choose to fund extended travel. Greater Manchester, for example, has already removed the time restriction.
From April 1, 2027, the restriction will be removed across England, meaning eligible pass holders will no longer have to wait until 9:30am to travel for free.
Why is the government removing bus pass time restrictions?
The government said restricted travel times can create a practical barrier for disabled people who need to travel early in the morning for work, education, training or healthcare.
The policy is also intended to reduce transport costs at a time when many disabled people face additional living expenses. By allowing free travel throughout the day, the government expects the measure to make it easier for eligible people to access employment and other opportunities.
The government is also linking the change to its wider employment support programme, which includes a £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions.
£60 million funding for nationwide change
The government has allocated £60 million to remove the time restrictions across England. According to the announcement, £40 million will come from the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million from the Department for Transport.
The move is designed to ensure that access to free bus travel does not depend on where an eligible disabled person lives.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the change would end what the government described as a “postcode lottery” and allow disabled people to travel whenever they need to.
Disability organisations have also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the additional costs faced by disabled people and the importance of reliable and affordable transport for work, education, healthcare and everyday activities.
Who is eligible for a disabled bus pass?
Eligibility for a disabled person's bus pass is based on statutory categories under the Transport Act 2000. These include people who are:
- Blind or partially sighted
- Profoundly or severely deaf
- Unable to speak
- Unable or virtually unable to walk because of a disability
- Without arms or unable to use both arms
- Living with a learning disability
- Unable to obtain a driving licence on medical grounds, subject to the statutory conditions
Local authorities administer the concessionary travel scheme and assess applications against the relevant eligibility criteria.
Wider changes to bus travel in England
The free bus travel measure forms part of a broader government plan for bus services in England. The government has also announced a £2 cap on single bus fares throughout 2027, which it says will reduce travel costs for millions of passengers.
Under-16s have also been able to travel for free on local buses during the summer, while the government is giving local leaders greater control over bus networks through changes to bus services legislation.
The government said the measures are intended to make bus travel more affordable, reliable and accessible.
What the change means for disabled bus pass holders
For eligible disabled people, the key change will be the removal of the weekday time restriction. From April 1, 2027, a disabled bus pass will provide free travel at any time of day on eligible bus services in England.
The government expects the change to benefit around one million people who meet the statutory disability categories. For those who need to commute early, attend morning appointments or reach education and training programmes, the removal of the restriction could make public transport easier to use without having to pay an additional fare.
The policy is therefore not only a change to concessionary bus travel but also part of a wider effort to reduce transport barriers for disabled people and improve access to employment and everyday life.
