People with disabilities will have the ability to journey on buses free of charge beneath Andy Burnham’s imaginative and prescient
The Prime Minister has announced that disabled bus pass holders will be able to travel for free travel around the clock as he lifts restrictions across England from next April
Round-the-clock free travel will be brought in for disabled bus pass holders(Image: Getty)
Disabled people will be able to travel on buses for free around the clock, Andy Burnham has announced.
The PM said lifting current restrictions will mean those eligible for a disabled bus pass can use them 24/7. The change will come into effect on April 1 next year, he confirmed.
Mr Burnham said: “It’s simply not right that many disabled people cannot travel using their pass during certain times of the day. So we’re fixing that. Disabled people will now have unlimited free bus travel 24/7.
“I did it before in Greater Manchester and I’m proud to do it now for the whole country. This is part of our ongoing action to bring back hope and give people some much needed breathing space on the cost of living.”
At the moment disabled bus passes are only valid from 9.30am and 11pm, unless local authorities fund additional hours. The government has allocated £60million to make round-the-clock travel available across England.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “We’re putting an end to this postcode lottery, so disabled people can travel on buses for free whenever they need, wherever they live – unlocking opportunities and access to jobs, learning, and more.
“We are making this change because we’ve listened to disabled people, and we know the importance of buses to local communities. These passes are a lifeline for so many, helping them stay connected and get to work and appointments, and it’s only right they receive the same treatment, no matter their postcode.”
And Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the move would make a huge difference for people heading to work. He said: “For too long, disabled people have held a free bus pass in their pocket that didn’t always get them to work.
“Now we’re changing that. By removing these time restrictions, we’re helping disabled people access jobs, training, and other opportunities at any time of the day.”
It has been welcomed by groups that represents people with disabilities. Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Mencap, said: “This is welcome relief for disabled people struggling with the cost of living as well as the extra costs of being disabled. Most importantly though it removes the inference that disabled people can’t or shouldn’t work.
“Disabled people should have the same opportunities as anyone else to work or contribute to society in some other way and this will help level that playing field.”
And James Taylor, a director at Scope, said: “Disabled people face extra costs every day and many need to travel in the morning for work, education and healthcare. Making free bus travel available around the clock is a welcome step that will put money back in people’s pockets and remove barriers to everyday life.”
