Disabled bus pass holders in Sheffield will be able to travel for free anywhere in England at any time of day from next year, following Andy Burnham’s announcement to remove national time restrictions on concessionary travel.
The change, due to come into effect from 1 April 2027, will allow disabled pass holders to use their passes free of charge on local bus services throughout the day, regardless of where they are travelling in England.
The Government says lifting time restrictions for disabled pass holders will help improve access to employment, education, training and public services, as well as helping people manage the cost of living.
Disabled residents in South Yorkshire already benefit from unrestricted use of their concessionary bus passes thanks to investment by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. The Government’s announcement will mean Sheffield residents can enjoy the same entitlement when travelling elsewhere in the country, while disabled visitors to South Yorkshire will also benefit from unrestricted travel.
The move forms part of Andy Burnham’s wider programme to make public transport more affordable, accessible and reliable, alongside the £2 fare cap, free bus travel for children this summer and greater powers for local leaders over bus services.
Councillor Minesh Parekh (Crookes and Crosspool ward) said:
“This is a really welcome announcement and it’s great to see government learning from and building on South Yorkshire’s approach.
“Thanks to investment from Mayor Oliver Coppard and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, disabled residents in South Yorkshire already benefit from unrestricted use of their concessionary bus passes. From next year, that will apply right across England.
“For disabled people in Sheffield, that means they will be able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms when travelling elsewhere in the country that they already enjoy at home. It will also make it easier for disabled visitors to travel around Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
“Our public transport network is changing for the better. Labour councillors have brought forward proposals to make bus and tram travel free for children and young people aged 18 and under from next year. We are ending the failed era of bus privatisation and bringing decisions about routes, timetables, fares and standards back under local public control – with the South Yorkshire People’s Network, led by South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, coming in soon.
“It is another example of Labour working at every level to build the affordable, accessible and high-quality transport network our residents deserve.”
The first franchised People’s Network bus services are expected to begin in Sheffield and Doncaster in September 2027. Under public control, decisions about routes, timetables, tickets and service standards will be made locally, with simpler and more integrated bus and tram tickets and a stronger focus on reliability.