Key facts
- Disabled people in England will have unlimited free bus travel 24/7 starting April 1, 2027.
- The policy removes weekday restrictions on the use of free bus passes for disabled individuals.
- The government is allocating £60 million for the initiative, with contributions from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Transport.
- The change aims to support disabled individuals with the cost of living and improve access to work, education, and healthcare.
Disabled individuals across England will gain unrestricted 24/7 access to free bus travel starting April 1, 2027. This 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 £40 million from the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million from the Department for Transport. Government sources indicated the funding is not a one-off payment and has no set end date.
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. Bus Users UK noted that the change offers disabled people greater freedom, independence, and dignity.