Disabled people in England will be able to use eligible bus services free of charge at any time of day from April 1, 2027, under a new government policy aimed at removing travel barriers, reducing living costs and improving access to employment, education and other opportunities. The measure is backed by £60 million in government funding.
Under the existing English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, disabled bus passes are generally valid between 9:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. on weekdays, although some local authorities already fund extended travel periods.
The government said the nationwide change would remove those weekday time restrictions, allowing disabled pass holders to travel free throughout the day regardless of where they live in England. Around one million people are expected to benefit.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the existing restrictions were unfair because many disabled people needed to travel before 9:30 a.m. for work, education, training and other commitments
Burnham had previously overseen the removal of time restrictions on disabled bus passes in Greater Manchester, an example cited by the government as it announced the nationwide policy. The official announcement confirms that Greater Manchester permanently lifted its restrictions earlier in 2026.
Disability organisations welcomed the announcement, arguing that access to affordable transport is particularly important for people who cannot drive or who depend heavily on buses for work and everyday activities.
The policy will be financed through £60 million in government funding and is intended to become a continuing commitment rather than a temporary concession.
The government said the measure forms part of wider efforts to ease cost-of-living pressures while improving access to jobs and services.
Disabled people in Scotland and Wales already have access to free bus travel under their respective concessionary schemes, while arrangements differ in Northern Ireland.
The new English rules are scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027, when existing weekday time limits for disabled concessionary bus passes will be removed nationwide.
