The Department for Transport has confirmed that from 1 April 2027, disabled bus pass holders will be able to travel for free at any time of day, ending the current weekday restriction that limits travel to between 9.30am and 11pm.
The change, announced by the Labour Party government, means disabled people will no longer have to wait until mid-morning to use their passes on weekdays. The new rules provide unlimited free bus travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week across England.
Prime Minister announces end to time restrictions
Prime Minister Andy Burnham 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.”
Burnham, who previously introduced a similar policy in Greater Manchester, 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.”
Ending the postcode lottery for disabled travellers
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the move would end what she described as a “postcode lottery” for disabled people. “We’re putting an end to this postcode lottery, so disabled people can travel on buses for free whenever they need, wherever they live – unlocking opportunities and access to jobs, learning, and more,” she said.
Alexander added: “We are making this change because we’ve listened to disabled people, and we know the importance of buses to local communities. 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.”
Employment and cost of living benefits
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden highlighted the employment impact of the change. “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,” he said.
McFadden linked the policy to wider government support: “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.”
Charity leaders welcomed the announcement. Jon Sparkes, CEO of Mencap, the learning disability charity, said: “This is welcome relief for disabled people struggling with the cost of living as well as the extra costs of being disabled. Most importantly though it removes the inference that disabled people can’t or shouldn’t work. Disabled people should have the same opportunities as anyone else to work or contribute to society in some other way and this will help level that playing field.”
James Taylor, Executive Director Strategy Impact & Social Change with 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.”
Lydia Horbury, CEO of Bus Users UK, said: “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. This is about much more than a bus pass. It is about removing a barrier to opportunity and making our transport network work for everyone.”
The change will take effect on 1 April 2027, giving pass holders more than seven months of notice before the new rules apply.
