Andy Burnham expands a policy for disabled people’s bus passes in England, removing restrictions on when pass holders can travel. From next April, holders will be able to use their passes for free travel on local bus services at any time of day or night.
Under the current rules, disabled people’s passes are valid only between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, with some areas allowing extra hours through additional council funding. Multiple outlets report the change follows a plan announced by the prime minister to end weekday time limits from 1 April 2027, aligning the policy nationwide by allowing around-the-clock travel. The coverage largely focuses on the same practical effect—free access throughout the day and night—while differing mainly in emphasis and framing.
The Guardian also specifies that some councils currently extend coverage beyond the weekday window, suggesting unequal local arrangements until the national change takes full effect next April.
