Free bus travel 24/7 for disabled people

TimeLord1

 
From 1 April 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day. This extra support will help to open up access to workplaces, education, training, and other opportunities as well as giving people breathing space on the cost of living and putting money back in people’s pockets. 

Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9.30am and 11pm during weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension. 

Free Bus Pass information

oldernonethewiser

The above refers to England only.

The other nations have their own arrangements.

Newcad

Even though I am now a pensioner my "disabled persons"* bus pass is valid until May 2028, at which time it will renew as a pensioners pass.

*(Gov.uk need to think about the words they use - a "disabled bus pass" is surely one that is out of date, has been de-activated, and is no longer valid).

TimeLord1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82110744#Comment_82110744

I was going to ask you if you applied for the pensioners pass I didn't realize it continues until the expiration date. I think around my way the pensioners seem to use them before 9am. And that's Essex county.

beanielou

Not in Scotland as already applies.

Savvy_Sue

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82110788#Comment_82110788

Round here, the senior bus pass isn't valid before 9 am but I'm not sure how late I can stay out …

Oddly, when DH is a Twirly (too early), he's sometimes charged 10p and sometimes £2, not worked out why …

marcia_

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82110922#Comment_82110922

I see bus drivers charge minimal fares to pensioners or just wave them on presumably when they are in a good mood.

I'm lucky to live in Liverpool where disabled people have had a pass which can be used 24/7 since I was a teenager.

born_again

My grip is why April & not now.

Add in many buses round here have a max of one or two wheelchair users. It is not going to get them rushing out to use buses, that often do not turn up & do not run 24/7 to make real use.

KxMx

April is the beginning of the new financial year.

The Government need to plan where the money is coming from.

The 2025/2026 budget has been set and it's much more complex to find money for a permanent change, than a temporary one done at short notice like free bus travel for children this month only.

Grumpy_chap

Add in many buses round here have a max of one or two wheelchair users.

Well, presumably, this is not just the matter of charging (or not charging) for bus use at certain hours but also putting in the extra capacity that overcomes the very issue you have raised. Getting that in place my April is quick going!

In a way, part of the way that various bus passes have operated to allow travel after 09:30 is a form of load-shifting. At a practical level, what is a bus driver to do if a full peak-time morning rush hour bus arrives and one wheel-chair bound individual wishes to board using their (now free) travel pass?

KxMx

The wheelchair has legal priority over the wheelchair space, if it's occupied by non wheelchair passengers then the driver is obligated to ask them to move.

If that fails, turning off the engine usually results in passenger pressure to encourage those blocking to move in my experience but not all drivers will do more than ask, shrug, shut the doors & drive off.