18 August 2026
Disabled people across England will be able to use their free bus passes at any time of day from April, under changes announced by the government.
Disabled people to get free bus travel across England
Currently, disabled bus passes can only be used between 09:30 and 23:00 on weekdays in many areas, meaning some people are unable to use free travel for early morning appointments, work or education.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said restrictions on when disabled people could use their passes were unfair.
He said: “Buses are a lifeline for so many people – making it easier to get to work, education and healthcare.
“It’s simply not right that many disabled people cannot travel using their pass during certain times of the day. So we’re fixing that. Disabled people will now have unlimited free bus travel 24/7.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added: “We are making this change because we’ve listened to disabled people, and we know the importance of buses to local communities.”
Government guidance says the following people may qualify:
– blind or partially sighted;
– profoundly or severely deaf;
– without speech;
– unable or virtually unable to walk because of a disability;
– without arms, or unable to use both arms;
– people with a learning disability; and
– people who would be refused a driving licence on medical grounds (other than because of drug or alcohol misuse).
Local authorities administer the scheme and decide whether applicants meet the statutory eligibility criteria.