Disabled people will be able to use their bus passes for free all day - here's when the change starts

Disabled people across England will be able to use their concessionary bus passes for free all day, every day, under a new change announced by the government.

But the new rules won't come into force until 1 April 2027.

From that date, eligible disabled people will be able to use their bus pass at any time of day, including during the hours when restrictions currently apply.

The government says the change is designed to help with the cost of living while making it easier for disabled people to get to work, education, training and healthcare.

When will free bus travel become available all day?

The change starts on 1 April 2027.

At the moment, disabled bus passes are generally valid for free travel between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays. Local authorities can choose to extend the hours themselves, meaning the rules haven't been the same everywhere.

Greater Manchester, for example, removed its time restrictions earlier this year.

From April next year, the government says the restrictions will be removed across England, meaning eligible disabled bus-pass holders will be able to travel for free regardless of the time of day or where they live.

The change is being backed by £60 million of government funding, made up of £40 million from the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million from the Department for Transport.

Who can get a free disabled bus pass?

The change is for people who are eligible for a disabled person's bus pass.

The government says the statutory eligibility categories include people who are:

• 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
• living with a learning disability
• unable to obtain a driving licence on medical grounds, other than because of drug or alcohol misuse

Local councils are responsible for assessing applications and administering the scheme.

So if you're not sure whether you're eligible, it's worth checking with your local authority rather than assuming you won't qualify.

How much could you save?

The amount you'll save will depend on how often you travel and the fares in your area.

For someone who currently has to pay to travel before 9.30am or after 11pm, being able to use their pass at those times could mean a noticeable reduction in their regular travel costs.

That could be particularly useful for people travelling to work, appointments or education early in the morning, when the existing time restrictions can mean paying for a journey that would otherwise be free.

The government says the change is intended to remove an additional financial pressure for disabled people, who can already face higher costs in other areas of everyday life.

There's more help with bus fares coming too

The announcement comes alongside other changes to bus travel.

Bus fares are set to be capped at £2 in 2027, while under-16s have been able to travel for free on local buses during August as part of the government’s scheme to make the school holidays more affordable.

Local leaders are also being given more control over bus services through the Bus Services Act, with the aim of improving reliability and making services better suited to local communities.

What should you do now?

If you already have a disabled bus pass, there's nothing in the announcement to suggest you need to apply for a new pass simply because the time restrictions are changing.

The important date to remember is 1 April 2027, when the new all-day rules are due to begin.

If you think you might qualify for a disabled person's bus pass but don't currently have one, contact your local council to find out whether you're eligible and how to apply.