Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce the cost of transport for disabled people.

From 1 April 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass will be able to travel on buses for free in England, no matter the time of day. Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9.30am to 11pm during weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension.

We’re removing these time restrictions across the whole of England, so that disabled bus pass holders can travel for free whenever they need, where they live, improving access to jobs, education, training, and other opportunities. This brings England into line with equivalent arrangements in Scotland and Wales.

We have also expanded eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard in March 2026, making it available to a wider range of disabled people. The Railcard provides a one-third discount on most rail fares and costs just £20 a year, compared with £35 for most other railcards. Eligibility will expand further this month to include additional disabilities and conditions, helping make rail travel more affordable for more disabled people.