Disabled people in Erewash and across England will soon be able to travel on buses for free at any time of the day or night.
The change was announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham as part of government plans to help with the cost of living and make public transport fairer for everyone.
Erewash MP Adam Thompson welcomed the news, which removes the current rules that limit free travel for disabled bus pass holders to between 9:30am and 11:00pm on weekdays.
Under the new plan, pass holders will get full, unlimited free bus travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new rule will take effect from April 2027 and is backed by £60 million in government funding.
MP Adam Thompson said the change would make a real difference to local residents needing to get to work, medical appointments, or training early in the morning or late at night without facing extra costs.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Buses are a lifeline for so many people. 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.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added that ending the time limits puts a stop to a “postcode lottery,” ensuring everyone gets the same support no matter where they live.
Charities have also backed the decision. Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Mencap, said the change gives welcome relief from daily living costs and helps disabled people who want to work or take part in community life.
The move follows other recent bus support measures, including keeping the local bus fare cap at £2 and giving local councils more say over how local bus services are run.
For residents who hold a disabled bus pass, local council application steps and statutory eligibility rules will stay the same, but the pass will soon work around the clock.
