4,391 eligible disabled people across Portsmouth will get free bus travel all day, every day, after the Prime Minister announced today (Tuesday August 18) that the government will lift time restrictions on concessionary passes in plans backed by local MP Amanda Martin.
- Disabled people across Portsmouth can soon travel on buses for free all day, every day
- Time restrictions on concessionary passes to be lifted from April, ending postcode lottery on 24/7 free travel and giving breathing space from cost of living
- Part of government’s wider commitment to better, affordable, reliable buses, including the £2 bus fare cap, free bus travel for kids this summer and giving local leaders control over their buses
From 1 April 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day. This extra support will help to open up access to workplaces, education, training, and other opportunities as well as giving people breathing space on the cost of living and putting money back in people’s pockets.
Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9.30am and 11pm during weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension. For example, in Greater Manchester, the local authority permanently lifted the time restrictions from March this year. This, however, creates a postcode lottery through a patchwork of different rules across the country.
Backed by £60 million of funding, the Government is now stepping in to remove these time restrictions across the whole of England, so that from next year, disabled bus pass holders can always travel for free on the most popular form of public transport, regardless of their postcode.
Local MP, Amanda Martin said: “I’ve heard time and time again from constituents in Portsmouth about how frustrating it is to hold a bus pass that doesn’t work when you actually need it.
Whether it’s getting to work, college, or a hospital appointment, a disabled bus pass should be an enabler, not a barrier.
This change means over 4,000 disabled people in Portsmouth will finally have unlimited free bus travel 24/7.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Buses are a lifeline for so many people – making it easier to get to work, education and healthcare. 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.”
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.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden 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.
“Alongside our £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support, this change shows we’re serious about breaking down the barriers that have held disabled people back for too long.”
A lack of affordable transport can be a major practical barrier to entering the workplace, and so this move will also help support disabled people who are able to work to take up jobs by removing an extra pressure.
This new support comes alongside the government’s ongoing work to reform the welfare system, so people can get into work where they can. This includes a £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support to help disabled people and people with health conditions to fulfil their full potential and stay in or return to work.
Buses are the most used form of public transport across the country. Today’s announcement also follows the Prime Minister capping bus fares at £2 throughout 2027, so all bus users can get where they need for less, saving millions of people a third on bus travel and giving them room to breathe. Thanks to Government funding, under 16s have also been able to travel for free on local buses this month, helping families enjoy summer days out for less.
In recognition of how vital buses are to local communities, the Government is giving local leaders more powers through the Bus Services Act – handing back control to communities for more reliable services that better serve their areas.
