Disabled people in England will receive unlimited free bus travel 24/7 starting April 1, 2027. The government is allocating £60 million to fund the policy change, which aims to reduce living costs and encourage employment.
The policy change will significantly improve accessibility and reduce financial burdens for approximately one million disabled people in England, enabling greater participation in work, education, and social life.
Disabled people in England will gain unrestricted 24/7 access to free bus travel starting April 1, 2027. The expansion of a policy previously implemented in Greater Manchester by Mayor Andy Burnham aims to alleviate cost-of-living pressures and remove barriers to essential services.
The current restrictions, which limit free travel to off-peak hours on weekdays, will be lifted nationwide. The initiative is supported by £60 million in funding, with contributions from the Department for Transport and Department for Work and Pensions. Government sources indicated the funding is an indefinite commitment.
Ministers believe the change will help disabled people access employment, education, and training, while also reducing isolation and unnecessary car dependency. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted that the move will end a postcode lottery, ensuring consistent support for disabled travelers regardless of their location. This measure is part of broader government efforts to make bus travel more affordable, including maintaining the £2 fare cap and offering free travel for under-16s.
Charities like Mencap and Scope have welcomed the policy, emphasizing that it will provide much-needed financial relief and remove significant barriers to daily life for disabled people who often face extra costs. Transport for All noted that the change offers disabled people greater freedom, independence, and dignity.