24-hour free bus travel for disabled people announced
1 min read
Thursday 20 August 2026
This advice applies in England only.
Free bus travel for disabled people in England will extend to 24 hours a day, every day, from next April, the government has announced.
Currently, disabled bus passes allow holders to travel for free around the clock on weekends but from 9.30am-11pm on weekdays. Campaigners have argued that this prevents disabled people working or going out late.
The government is currently looking at measures to help disabled people take up employment alongside introducing cost of living help.
Share your views on accessible transport
The Law Commission has launched a major consultation into accessible transport needs.
The review will examine whether existing laws provide enough protection and support for disabled passengers. The Law Commission will consider whether:
- The law should be strengthened and made more consistent.
- Complaints and remedies are effective.
- Enforcement bodies have sufficient powers to hold transport operators to account.
We want to ensure families with disabled children and young people can contribute to this review in the early stages. This is an opportunity to raise any issues you face, including transport to education.
Take a few minutes to tell us about your experiences and what barriers you face to accessible transport.