Andy Burnham announces big change to free bus passes

Eligible disabled people across England will get free bus travel all day, every day, after the Prime Minister announced that the government will lift time restrictions on concessionary passes. From April 1, 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day, Andy Burnham announced on August 18. The Government said the move will provide additional help with the cost of living while making it easier for disabled people to access work, education, training, healthcare and other opportunities.

Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9.30am and 11pm during weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension. The Government is providing £60 million to fund the change, with £40 million coming from the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million from the Department for Transport.

The Government added that a lack of affordable transport can be a major practical barrier to entering the workplace. The announcement comes alongside a wider £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support aimed at helping disabled people and people with health conditions enter, remain in or return to work.

According to the government, buses are the most used form of public transport across the country. In July, Andy Burnham also announced a £2 cap on single bus tickets. Passengers will benefit from cheaper fares from January 2027 for the rest of the year, with maximum fares slashed by a third.

The Government said it is giving local leaders greater powers over bus services through the Bus Services Act, with the aim of allowing communities to have more control over routes and services in their areas.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said last month: “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.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also said: “We’re putting an end to this postcode lottery, so disabled people can travel on buses for free whenever they need, wherever they live – unlocking opportunities and access to jobs, learning, and more.

“We are making this change because we’ve listened to disabled people, and we know the importance of buses to local communities. These passes are a lifeline for so many, helping them stay connected and get to work and appointments, and it’s only right they receive the same treatment, no matter their postcode.”