Disabled bus pass holders will soon be able to travel for free at any time of day.
The Government has announced that starting in April next year, time restrictions will be lifted on concessionary bus passes for disabled people across England in a bid to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Currently, these passes are only valid from 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays unless extended by local authorities.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who previously introduced the change in Greater Manchester, 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.”
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The scheme will be funded with £60 million from existing government budgets, including £40 million from the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million from the Department for Transport.
It is part of a wider package of cost-of-living measures announced by Mr Burnham since taking office.
Other measures include cutting business rates for pubs, capping bus fares at £2, and removing VAT from electricity bills.
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