Disabled Bus Pass Holders in England to Receive 24-Hour Free Travel From April

1-Minute Brief

The policy aims to ease cost-of-living pressures for disabled people by expanding free bus travel access.

Key Facts

• The scheme will allow disabled bus pass holders to travel for free at any time from April next year.
• The initiative is intended to help address cost-of-living pressures faced by disabled individuals.
• The project to enable unlimited free travel is estimated to cost about £60 million.
• Currently, free travel for disabled bus pass holders is limited to weekdays from 9.30am to 11pm unless extended locally.
• Andy Burnham previously implemented a similar extension in Greater Manchester during his tenure as mayor.

What Happened

The government announced that disabled bus pass holders in England will be eligible for unlimited free bus travel at all hours starting from April next year.

Why It Matters

This expansion of free travel is expected to provide greater mobility and financial relief for disabled individuals, especially amid ongoing cost-of-living challenges.

What's Next

Implementation of the scheme is set for April next year. Further details on rollout and local authority involvement may be announced in the coming months.