The Government has confirmed that disabled people's bus passes in England will be valid at any time of day from next April, removing current weekday restrictions. The change, announced by Andy Burnham, applies nationwide and is backed by £60 million of funding.
Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, unless local authorities fund an extension. For example, Greater Manchester Combined Authority permanently lifted time restrictions from March this year.
What the change means for disabled passengers
From April, disabled pass holders can travel for free on buses at any time, regardless of their postcode. The move aims to make it easier for disabled people to access work, education, and healthcare. Charity Mencap has welcomed the measures.
Andy Burnham, who made the announcement, 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 will now have unlimited free bus travel 24/7."
Government funding and employment support
The £60 million funding will support the removal of time restrictions across England. The Government says this is part of ongoing action to address the cost of living. Burnham added: "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."
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden also commented: "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."
Impact on disabled people
McFadden linked the change to a £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support, stating: "Alongside our £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support, this change shows we’re serious about breaking down the barriers that have held disabled people back for too long." The policy ensures that disabled people can use the most popular form of public transport without time-based restrictions, improving access to opportunities across the country.
