Local MP welcomes free bus travel 24/7 for over 30,000 disabled people in South Yorkshire as Prime Minister takes further action to ease cost of living

Marie Tidball, local MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has backed the landmark announcement from the Prime Minister that disabled people will get free 24/7 bus travel across England, lifting the current time restrictions on disabled bus passes. This means 30,183 eligible disabled people across South Yorkshire Combined Authority will now get free bus travel all day, every day across the entirety of England.

From 1 April 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day. This extra support will help to open up access to workplaces, education, training, and other opportunities as well as giving people breathing space on the cost of living and putting money back in people’s pockets.

Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9.30am and 11pm during weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension. For example, in Greater Manchester, the local authority permanently lifted the time restrictions from March this year. This, however, creates a postcode lottery through a patchwork of different rules across the country.

Backed by £60 million of funding, the Government is now stepping in to remove these time restrictions across the whole of England, so that from next year, disabled bus pass holders can always travel for free on the most popular form of public transport, regardless of their postcode.

Areas, like South Yorkshire, that already offer enhanced travel concessions for disabled pass holders will also receive extra funding for this scheme. That means that resources currently used for those enhancements could be redirected towards other local transport priorities, accessibility improvements, companion pass schemes or wider bus service enhancements.

Local MP, Marie Tidball, said:

"I couldn't be happier to see the Prime Minister announce today that time restrictions on disabled bus passes will be lifted across England from next April - ending the postcode lottery on 24/7 bus travel, giving breathing space on the cost of living, and enabling disabled people to fulfil their potential."

"The current national rules make no sense, and block disabled people across the country having equal access to work, education, and leisure. This is an absolutely vital and common sense fix.”

"I've been speaking to lots of colleagues since I was elected about what a difference lifting these time restrictions will make to disabled people's lives. I’ve heard from constituents time and time again how useful it is that they can use their disabled bus pass 24/7 across South Yorkshire. I'm so proud to see Andy take this essential step for the rest of the country, bringing us one step closer to creating a society where disabled people are treated with dignity and respect.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham 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.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

"We're putting an end to this postcode lottery, so disabled people can travel on buses for free whenever they need, wherever they live – unlocking opportunities and access to jobs, learning, and more.

"We are making this change because we’ve listened to disabled people, and we know the importance of buses to local communities. These passes are a lifeline for so many, helping them stay connected and get to work and appointments, and it's only right they receive the same treatment, no matter their postcode.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

“For too long, disabled people have held a free bus pass in their pocket that didn't always get them to work.

"Now we’re changing that. By removing these time restrictions, we're helping disabled people access jobs, training, and other opportunities at any time of the day.

"Alongside our £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support, this change shows we're serious about breaking down the barriers that have held disabled people back for too long."

A lack of affordable transport can be a major practical barrier to entering the workplace, and so this move will also help support disabled people who are able to work to take up jobs by removing an extra pressure.

This new support comes alongside the government’s ongoing work to reform the welfare system, so people can get into work where they can. This includes a £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support to help disabled people and people with health conditions to fulfil their full potential and stay in or return to work.

Buses are the most used form of public transport across the country. Today's announcement also follows the Prime Minister capping bus fares at £2 throughout 2027, so all bus users can get where they need for less, saving millions of people a third on bus travel and giving them room to breathe. Thanks to Government funding, under 16s have also been able to travel for free on local buses this month, helping families enjoy summer days out for less.

In recognition of how vital buses are to local communities, the Government is giving local leaders more powers through the Bus Services Act - handing back control to communities for more reliable services that better serve their areas.