Starting this Sunday, a significant change to the Disabled Persons Railcard will broaden access to thousands of additional passengers. The announcement is set to transform the way many people with disabilities can access affordable rail travel, offering a welcome boost to those in need.
The discounted railcard, which already provides substantial savings to around 390,000 cardholders, will now be available to a wider group of disabled individuals, including those with both visible and non-visible disabilities. The move, which comes after a thorough review of the eligibility criteria, aims to enhance accessibility for disabled passengers across the UK.
Expanding Eligibility to Include More Disabled People
From Sunday, more people will be able to apply for the Disabled Persons Railcard, which offers a 33% discount on rail travel for both the cardholder and an accompanying adult. According to the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), the new eligibility criteria will include people with a Blue Badge, those who have a disabled person’s bus pass, individuals unable to drive for medical reasons, and those who are unable to speak.
The changes mark an important step towards making travel more accessible. Currently, the railcard is available to people with a range of disabilities, including those who receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or have conditions such as epilepsy or visual and hearing impairments. Now, this expansion will benefit an even broader segment of the disabled community.
The railcard costs £20 for a one-year subscription or £54 for three years, with cardholders typically saving £126 annually. For many, this represents a vital lifeline, making rail travel far more affordable and accessible. As the RDG’s chief executive Jacqueline Starr stated, the move is “an important step forward in helping more people access rail and travel with confidence.”
Further Updates Expected in September
The updates to the Disabled Persons Railcard don’t stop with Sunday’s changes. According to the RDG, more adjustments will be made in September to include conditions requiring professional health evidence and more detailed assessments. These further updates aim to ensure that the railcard reaches even more individuals who need it, continuing the broader effort to make public transport systems more inclusive.
The broader efforts to improve accessibility are part of a government initiative under the Accessible Railways Roadmap, which aims to address the needs of disabled passengers and ensure that UK railways are inclusive, supportive, and welcoming to all. Rail minister Lord Hendy stressed the importance of providing accessible travel for those commuting to work, accessing education, or visiting family members.
The revised eligibility criteria reflect a long-term commitment to improving the accessibility of Britain’s transport system. The changes, while modest in some ways, are seen as part of a more extensive overhaul of services that will allow disabled passengers to travel with greater ease and certainty. The news has been met with positive reactions from advocacy groups and passengers alike. With the expansion of the railcard, more disabled people will be able to benefit from affordable travel, contributing to an overall improvement in their mobility and independence.
