The change is scheduled to begin on 1 April 2027 and is expected to help around one million disabled people. It will remove the current weekday restrictions that prevent many disabled passengers from using their passes during certain hours.

At present, most disabled bus passes in England can be used for free travel between 9:30am and 11pm on weekdays. Pass holders can already use them throughout the day on weekends and bank holidays.

Why the bus pass rules are changing

The current time restrictions can create problems for disabled people who need to travel early in the morning or late at night.

For example, people who have jobs with early starts may have to pay for their journey before 9:30am. Others may face extra costs when attending evening events, appointments or social activities after the permitted hours.

The government says the new free bus travel for disabled people in England will help reduce these barriers and support people with the rising cost of living.

It also believes the policy could make it easier for more disabled people to remain in or return to work.

Government says buses are a lifeline

The government described bus travel as one of the most important forms of public transport in England.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said it was unfair that disabled people were unable to use their passes at some times of the day.

Burnham had already introduced similar changes in Greater Manchester earlier in the year. Disabled passengers using the city’s Bee Network can now travel without the previous time restrictions.

He said he was pleased to extend the policy across England.

Disability groups welcome the decision

Disability organisations have welcomed the announcement.

Scope said removing the restrictions would help eliminate barriers that disabled people face in their everyday lives.

James Barber of the disabled-led organisation Transport for All also described the policy as a significant improvement. He said it could help address the differences between areas, where disabled passengers have faced different rules depending on where they live.

The policy has also received support from disabled passengers themselves.

Kurtis Crossthorn, a registered blind man from Sheffield, said the change would be welcomed by many disabled people. He highlighted the importance of buses for people who cannot drive and rely on public transport to work, attend activities and manage their daily lives.

Policy follows campaigning by MPs

Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon, who represents Harrogate and Knaresborough, described the announcement as a major victory for disabled people.

Gordon has campaigned for changes to the rules for around two years and said the decision marked the end of a long campaign.

The government says the policy is part of its wider effort to make everyday life more affordable and improve access to employment.

How much will the new scheme cost?

The government has allocated £60 million for the change.

Funding will come from the budgets of the Department for Transport and the Department for Work and Pensions.

However, the policy has faced criticism from the Conservative Party.

A Conservative spokesperson questioned how the government would pay for the measure, arguing that the money was being moved from existing departmental budgets rather than representing completely new funding.

When will free bus travel start?

The new rules will take effect on 1 April.

From that date, eligible disabled people in England will be able to use their qualifying bus passes at any time of day, including during the weekday hours currently covered by restrictions.

The government expects the change to benefit approximately one million people.

Free bus travel for disabled people across the UK

Rules on free bus travel are already different across the UK.

Disabled people in Scotland and Wales already have access to free bus travel.

In Northern Ireland, free travel is available to blind people and disabled war veterans. Other people who hold a disabled bus pass can receive half-price travel.

The new policy will therefore bring England closer to the arrangements already available in other parts of the UK.

Other government bus travel measures

The government has also introduced other measures aimed at reducing public transport costs.

These include free bus travel for under-16s during August and a £2 cap on single bus fares for participating bus operators.

The wider cost-of-living programme also includes measures affecting businesses and household expenses.

Key Details at a Glance

• Policy: Free bus travel for eligible disabled people
• Location: England
• Start date: 1 April
• Estimated beneficiaries: Around 1 million people
• Funding: £60 million
• Current weekday restriction: 9:30am to 11pm
• New arrangement: Travel available at any time of day
• Weekend and bank holiday travel: Already available throughout the day