From 1st April 2027, eligible disabled bus pass holders in England will be able to travel free by bus at any time of day. These disabled bus pass time limits will end across England on that date.
What changes to disabled bus pass time limits?
From 1st April 2027, disabled people in England who have a qualifying bus pass will be able to use it for free bus travel at any time of day. The usual weekday time limits will be removed.
CURRENT STANDARD HOURS
9.30am to 11pm on weekdays. On Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, eligible passes already provide free travel at any time. Some local authorities also extend weekday hours.
For someone who needs to travel early for work, training or an appointment, the change means they will not have to wait until 9.30am to use an eligible pass for a free bus journey. It also means the standard national restriction will no longer prevent free travel later in the evening or during weekday peak hours.
Who qualifies for a disabled person’s bus pass in England?
The change is for people who qualify for a disabled person’s bus pass in England. It does not mean that everyone with a disability is automatically entitled to one. The rules cover seven groups of people.
Eligibility at a glance
You may qualify for a disabled person’s bus pass in England if you meet one of these criteria:
Blind or partially sighted
Profoundly or severely deaf
Unable to communicate using speech
Unable to walk, or walking is extremely difficult
Lost both arms or unable to use them
Meets the relevant eligibility rules
Unable to obtain a driving licence for medical reasons, except where the reason is drug or alcohol misuse
Your local council assesses applications and decides whether you qualify.
Check eligibility and apply
Read the official guidance on applying for a disabled person’s bus pass in England.
Can you qualify through PIP?
Some Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards can help show that you qualify. Government guidance says councils may accept certain awards without asking for another assessment. This can apply if you are old enough to pay the usual bus fare and have at least 8 points for either the Moving around or Communicating verbally part of your PIP assessment.
Your award must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months. The council makes the final decision, so receiving PIP does not automatically mean you will get a bus pass. There are other ways to qualify too.
ELIGIBILITY REMINDER
This does not create an automatic entitlement for everyone with a disability. Applicants must meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria.
Not sure whether you qualify? Check the official eligibility guidance or contact the local authority that handles your application.
Do existing passholders need to do anything?
The announcement confirms that the standard time restrictions will be lifted from 1st April 2027. It does not establish that existing passholders must apply again or replace their pass. Do not assume you need a new card unless your local authority or official guidance tells you so.
If further practical instructions for current passholders are published, check your local authority’s concessionary travel guidance before the change takes effect. People who do not yet hold a pass will still need to meet the applicable eligibility criteria and follow their local authority’s application process.
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Does the change apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
No. The announcement concerns England. Concessionary travel schemes differ across the UK, so the English implementation date should not be treated as a new UK-wide entitlement.
Scotland
Eligible disabled people in Scotland already use a National Entitlement Card for free travel on registered local and long-distance scheduled bus services throughout Scotland at any time of day, for any number of journeys. Some services, such as certain premium-fare night buses, tours, excursions and group hire services, are excluded. Eligibility and application arrangements are different from England’s.
Wales
Wales has its own concessionary travel scheme. Eligible disabled people can apply for a bus pass through Transport for Wales. Check current eligibility and conditions using the official guidance below.
Wales bus pass guidance → The English announcement does not change the Welsh scheme.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland uses its own concessionary fares scheme and SmartPass system. Depending on a person’s circumstances, a disabled traveller may qualify for a Half Fare SmartPass or another concession. Official information is available from the links below.
Northern Ireland travel guidance → SmartPass information → The English change does not automatically change Northern Ireland’s arrangements.
Why is this change happening?
The government says the change should make it easier for eligible disabled people to get to work, study, training, medical appointments and other places without worrying about weekday time limits.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
£60 million from existing departmental budgets will support the change: £40 million from the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million from the Department for Transport.
Frequently asked questions
Will weekday morning journeys be included?
Yes. From 1st April 2027, eligible passholders will be able to travel free during weekday peak hours as well as at other times.
Will existing passholders need to apply again?
The government has not said that people who already have a pass need to apply again. Check with your council for any new instructions before April 2027.
Can I use my disabled bus pass before 9.30am at the moment?
Under the standard English scheme, free travel is already available all day on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. On weekdays, the standard hours are 9.30am to 11pm, although some councils provide wider concessions. From 1st April 2027, the weekday time restriction is due to be removed across England.
Can I use my disabled bus pass anywhere in England?
A disabled person’s bus pass issued in England can usually be used on covered local bus services throughout England, not just in the area where it was issued. Some local cross-border arrangements differ, and the pass does not cover every type of service. Check with your council if you are planning a journey across a border or are unsure about a particular route.
Can I use my disabled bus pass on coaches, trains or every bus service?
The pass covers local bus services included in the scheme, not every type of transport. Long-distance coaches, trains, rail replacement services and tourist services are generally excluded. Check the operator or your local council if you are unsure whether a particular service accepts your pass.
Does the change apply in Wales and Northern Ireland?
No. Wales and Northern Ireland have their own concessionary travel arrangements. Check the official guidance for the relevant nation.
Are weekends and bank holidays included?
Yes. Eligible disabled bus pass holders in England can already travel free at any time on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. The April 2027 change removes the standard weekday time restriction.
What’s Changing UK provides general information to help readers understand announced changes. Check the relevant official guidance or contact your local authority for advice about an individual application or entitlement.