Disabled passengers across England will be able to use their free bus passes at any time of day from April 1, 2027, after the government confirmed that current travel restrictions will be removed nationwide.
The change will allow eligible disabled bus pass holders to travel for free 24 hours a day, seven days a week, replacing existing weekday time limits that can restrict journeys before 9.30am and after certain hours unless local authorities provide an extension.
DWP Confirms Nationwide Removal Of Bus Pass Restrictions
According to Express, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Department for Transport (DfT) and Downing Street confirmed the reform as part of wider measures aimed at improving access to affordable transport.
Under the current rules, disabled passengers in England can use concessionary bus passes for free travel, but weekday restrictions remain in place in many areas. Local authorities have the power to remove those limits using their own funding, with some councils already introducing wider access.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority removed time restrictions for disabled bus pass holders earlier in 2026, allowing passengers in the area to travel without the previous daily limits.
From April 2027, the same access will apply across England. Disabled passengers who hold a valid concessionary pass will be able to use buses free of charge regardless of the time of day or their postcode.
The government said the move will help people reach workplaces, education, healthcare services and training opportunities while reducing transport costs for disabled passengers.
Pat McFadden Says Change Will Help Disabled People Access Opportunities
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the previous restrictions could prevent some disabled people from using their free travel entitlement when they needed it most.
He said last month: “For too long, disabled people have held a free bus pass in their pocket that didn’t always get them to work.
“Now we’re changing that. By removing these time restrictions, we’re helping disabled people access jobs, training, and other opportunities at any time of the day.
“Alongside our £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support, this change shows we’re serious about breaking down the barriers that have held disabled people back for too long.”
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Disabled Bus Pass Eligibility Rules Remain Unchanged
While the travel rules are changing, eligibility requirements for disabled bus passes will remain based on the categories established under the Transport Act 2000.
Local authorities will continue to manage applications and assess whether individuals meet the statutory criteria.
The scheme covers people who are blind or partially sighted, people who are profoundly or severely deaf, and people who are unable to speak.
It also includes people who are unable or almost unable to walk because of a disability, people without arms or those unable to use both arms, people with a learning disability, and people who would be refused a driving licence on medical grounds, except where the refusal is linked to drug or alcohol misuse.
Each council will continue to make decisions on applications using these legal requirements.
Government Links Change To Wider Bus Support Plans
The disabled bus pass reform forms part of a broader package of transport measures announced by the government.
Other plans include a £2 bus fare cap from January 2027, free bus travel for children across England from August, and reforms under the Bus Services Act that will give local leaders more control over local bus networks.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the removal of restrictions would allow disabled passengers to use buses more freely for everyday activities.
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.
“I did it before in Greater Manchester and I’m proud to do it now for the whole country. This is part of our ongoing action to bring back hope and give people some much needed breathing space on the cost of living.”
The removal of time restrictions on disabled concessionary bus passes will take effect across England on April 1, 2027.
