Disabled people in England will gain the right to free bus travel at any time of day starting in April, the government has announced. Previously, the eligibility for disabled bus passes was restricted to between 9:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. on weekdays, posing challenges for individuals needing to commute to work or attend evening activities. Passes were already usable at any time on weekends and bank holidays.
This policy change is anticipated to benefit approximately one million people and aligns with the government's objectives to alleviate the cost of living and support employment among disabled individuals. Disability charity Scope has stated that the reform will "remove barriers to everyday life."
Bus travel is identified by the government as the most common mode of transportation in England and serves as a "lifeline for so many." Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who previously implemented similar unrestricted travel for disabled passes in Greater Manchester as mayor, expressed his commitment to extending this policy nationwide. "I'm proud to do it now for the whole country," he stated.
Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon, a key proponent of the policy, described the change as a "huge win for the disabled community" and the result of a two-year campaign. However, a Conservative Party spokesperson questioned the funding for this and other policies, suggesting a reallocation of existing departmental budgets rather than new financial commitments.
The expansion of free bus travel for disabled people in England is set to take effect in April.