Worcester Labour Party has welcomed the Government’s announcement that disabled people will be able to use their concessionary bus passes at any time of day, seven days a week.
From April 2027, restrictions on when disabled bus passes can be used will be removed across England, giving eligible disabled people free bus travel 24 hours a day.
Louise Bowen, Disability Officer for Worcester Labour Party, said the change could make a real difference to disabled people in Worcester.
“For many disabled people, a bus pass is not simply a nice extra. It can be what makes it possible to get to work, attend an appointment, go shopping, meet friends or take part in community life.
“The present restrictions assume that disabled people only need to travel at certain times of day. Disability doesn’t work to a timetable, and neither do people’s lives.
“Removing those restrictions is a simple but important step towards giving disabled people greater independence and choice.”
Under the present national scheme, disabled concessionary passes are generally guaranteed for free travel only between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, although councils can offer additional concessions locally.
The Government has announced that these restrictions will be removed nationally, meaning eligible disabled passengers will be entitled to free bus travel throughout the day.
Louise added:
“This matters in Worcester. People may need an early bus to get to work, college or a hospital appointment, or they may need to travel later in the evening. Disabled people should not face an extra charge simply because the journey they need to make happens to fall outside an arbitrary time window.
“Accessible and affordable public transport is also vital if we are serious about tackling isolation and enabling disabled people to participate fully in our city.
“Worcester Labour strongly welcomes this change, and we will continue to argue for a bus network that is reliable, accessible and genuinely works for everyone.”
The new entitlement is expected to begin on 1 April 2027 and will apply to eligible disabled concessionary bus pass holders across England.
ENDS