Burnham to scrap time limits on disabled bus passes across England

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed the removal of weekday time restrictions on free bus passes for disabled people in England, a policy shift set to take effect from 1 April 2027. The announcement expands a measure previously implemented in Greater Manchester, where Burnham served as mayor, to a national scale. Under the new arrangement, pass holders will be permitted to travel free on local bus services at any time of day or night, replacing the current limitation that restricts usage to between 9:30 am and 11 pm on weekdays.

The government has allocated £60 million in funding to support the rollout, with £40 million sourced from the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million from the Department for Transport. Government sources indicated that this funding commitment does not have a set end date and is not a one-off payment. The seven-month implementation period is designed to allow for parliamentary passage and to give local transport authorities sufficient time to prepare for the operational changes.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that the policy change is intended to dismantle the “postcode lottery” that has seen varying levels of support for disabled people depending on their local council. By standardising access, the government argues the move will provide greater consistency and fairness across the country. The initiative is framed as part of the administration’s broader strategy to address the cost of living crisis, a key theme of Burnham’s ongoing summer tour.

Ministers emphasise that the removal of peak-time restrictions will facilitate improved access to employment, education, and healthcare. Burnham described buses as a “lifeline” for many, noting that the previous time limits prevented many disabled individuals from utilising their passes for essential travel during standard working or educational hours. The government also highlighted parallel measures, including the maintenance of a £2 fare cap throughout 2027 and the introduction of free bus travel for under-16s this summer.

Charity groups and advocacy organisations have largely welcomed the decision. Mencap noted the additional financial strain disabled people face, while Scope’s James Taylor described the change as a welcome step that will put money back into people’s pockets. Lydia Horbury of Bus Users UK added that lifting the restrictions would replace arbitrary limits with genuine independence, helping to reduce social isolation and unnecessary car dependency.