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Disabled people across England will be able to use their concessionary bus passes at any time of day from 1 April 2027, following a new government announcement aimed at making public transport more accessible.
Currently, most disabled bus pass holders in England can only travel for free on weekdays between 9:30am and 11:00pm, although passes are already valid all day on weekends and bank holidays. The new policy removes these weekday time restrictions, allowing eligible passengers to travel free 24 hours a day, seven days a week, funded by a £60 million package — £40 million from the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million from the Department for Transport.
The change is expected to benefit around one million disabled bus pass holders. Ministers say the policy is designed to reduce transport costs, improve access to employment and education, and make everyday travel easier for disabled people.
For many disabled people, buses are an essential form of transport for commuting, attending medical appointments and participating in community life. Restricting free travel until after 9:30am has long been criticised as a barrier for those needing to travel during peak morning hours.
Disability charities, including Scope, whose executive director James Taylor welcomed the announcement, said the new policy will help remove practical barriers that many disabled people face every day.
Transport campaigners also praised the move for helping to reduce the differences in concessionary travel rules between local authorities.
The government confirmed the scheme will be funded through existing budgets from the Department for Transport and the Department for Work and Pensions.
The nationwide changes are scheduled to take effect on 1 April 2027 and are intended to become a permanent part of England's concessionary travel scheme rather than a temporary measure.
The update brings England closer to other parts of the UK, where concessionary travel is already more generous in some cases.
• Scotland offers nationwide free bus travel for eligible disabled people, at any time of day, through the National Entitlement Card.
• Wales also provides free bus travel for qualifying disabled passengers through the Welsh Concessionary Travel Card scheme.
• Northern Ireland currently offers free travel for some groups, including registered blind people and war disablement pensioners, while other eligible pass holders — including those on the mobility component of PIP — receive half-price fares rather than free travel.
If you rely on public transport while travelling within England, the new rules will make it easier for eligible disabled passengers to travel throughout the day without worrying about weekday time restrictions.
The policy is expected to improve access to work, healthcare, leisure activities and tourism while making public transport more inclusive for disabled residents and visitors alike.
