CIHT welcomes UK Government announcement on free bus travel 24/7 for eligible disabled people in England. 

Buses are the backbone of public transport in England, and for many disabled people in England the time restrictions on concessionary passes have been an arbitrary barrier to work, opportunities, education and healthcare.

Previously those with access to a disabled bus pass were limited to travelling after 9:30am and 11pm during weekdays, limiting the times at which they can travel for free.

Concessionary passes should support these types of journeys. Lifting time restrictions nationally ends a postcode lottery and recognises that disabled people's lives don't run to off-peak timetables.

Local transport authorities will be central to delivering the benefits of this change, from administering passes to ensuring operators are fairly reimbursed as patronage grows.

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), climate action, and professionalism are key to CIHT’s overarching strategic themes.

We believe in working to improve EDI across the highways, transportation, and infrastructure sector. There is a significant overlap between social inclusion and our physical and mental health and wellbeing, so ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone to travel is essential.

CIHT and the Bus Centre of Excellence (BCoE) stands ready to support authorities across England as they prepare for the changes due to commence in April 2027, sharing best practice and technical guidance from places that have already made this change.

More information on the announcement is available to read here.

CIHT looks forward to continuing to work with the UK Government and the Department for Transport to deliver a transport network that is fit for the future and works for all.