Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of a) simplifying the application process for Bus Passes for disabled passengers, b) removing the time restrictions, and c) ensuring the availability of companion passes in all areas.

The Government remains committed to ensuring the concessionary travel system is inclusive and enables disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.

Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), eligible disabled people are entitled to free off-peak bus travel between 09:30 and 23:00 on weekdays and all day at weekends and on Bank Holidays.

Local authorities are responsible for administering applications for disabled bus passes. To support them in this process, the Department provides guidance on assessing eligibility.

The ENCTS costs £795 million annually and any changes to statutory obligations would require careful consideration of the scheme’s financial sustainability. However, local authorities have discretion to offer additional concessions, such as extending travel times or providing companion passes, funded from local resources.

The Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Local authorities can use this funding in whichever way they wish to improve services for passengers, including enhancing concessionary travel locally.