Disabled bus pass holders across England will get free bus travel all day, every day from 1 April next year as government looks to improve access to workplaces, learning and life opportunities while easing the cost of living.<\/p>\n
Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9:30am and 11pm during weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension.<\/p>\n
For example, Greater Manchester Combined Authority permanently lifted the time restrictions from March this year.<\/p>\n
Backed by \u00a360 million of funding, the government is now stepping in to remove these time restrictions across the whole of England.<\/p>\n
A total of \u00a340 million will come from the Department for Work and Pensions, and \u00a320 million from the Department for Transport.<\/p>\n
Eligibility for a disabled person\u2019s bus pass is set out in the Transport Act 2000, which defines seven statutory categories of disability.<\/p>\n
Local authorities are responsible for administering the scheme and for assessing applications against these statutory criteria.<\/p>\n
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: \u201cWe are making this change because we\u2019ve listened to disabled people, and we know the importance of buses to local communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese passes are a lifeline for so many, helping them stay connected and get to work and appointments, and it\u2019s only right they receive the same treatment, no matter their postcode.\u201d<\/p>\n