A petition has been launched calling on the government to change the rules for free bus passes for disabled people across England, outside London. The proposal seeks to allow free travel before 9am, a benefit currently only available in the capital.
Petition details
The petition, created by Carrie-ann Craxford on the Parliament website, urges the Labour Party government to fund a national scheme for disabled persons' free bus passes that includes peak times. It closes on 21 November 2026, giving ample time to gather the 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a Commons debate.
The petition states: 'Only in London are disabled people allowed free transport before 9.30am – we believe the rest of the country deserves this freedom as well. Often we have hospital appointments in the early morning or need to get to work.'
Campaign message
The petition adds: 'Disabled travel passes nationally should include peak times to account for this. We are disabled not werewolves! Like other people, we also need to go out between the hours of 11pm - 9am.'
Under current rules, if the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government will respond. If it reaches 100,000, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Eligibility for disabled person's travel pass
A disabled person's travel pass is available to those with an eligible disability expected to last at least 12 months, or aged 5 or over. Eligibility includes being registered blind or partially sighted, severely or profoundly deaf in both ears, unable to talk, or unable to walk easily. It also covers those who cannot use both arms, have a learning disability, or have a medical condition that prevents them from obtaining a UK driving licence.
Applicants must provide proof of their disability when applying. For travel before 9.30am, a single journey costs £2 by placing the disabled person's travel pass on the reader and inserting £2 into the cash chute.
