England to Introduce 24-Hour Free Bus Travel for Disabled People From 2027

LONDON — The UK government has announced plans to give eligible disabled people in England 24-hour free bus travel from April 2027, removing current restrictions on when concessionary passes can be used.

The policy is expected to cost around £60 million and will be funded from existing Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Transport budgets.

The change is designed to make public transport more accessible and reduce travel costs for disabled people.

At present, eligible passengers can face restrictions on when their free travel entitlement applies. The new policy would allow qualifying passengers to use buses without those time limitations.

Ministers say the reform could help disabled people access work, education, healthcare, shopping and social activities more easily.

The announcement has also received support from Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon, who has campaigned for wider access to free bus travel.

However, the policy comes as the government faces wider questions about the cost of expanding support for disabled people and the future funding of public services.

Transport accessibility has become an increasingly important political issue, particularly as councils and transport authorities attempt to maintain affordable bus services.

Supporters argue that removing time restrictions could give disabled passengers greater independence while helping reduce financial barriers to everyday journeys.

The government will now work towards implementing the expanded entitlement before the planned April 2027 start date.

For disabled passengers across England, the change could represent a significant expansion of their freedom to travel—and another major test of the government's approach to accessibility and public-service reform.