Free and Discounted Travel for Disabled People

Free Bus Pass (England)

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme entitles eligible people to free off-peak travel on local bus services across England.

Who qualifies?

• People who have reached State Pension age (currently 66)
• People who are "eligible disabled" — this includes people who:
  • Are blind or partially sighted
  • Are profoundly or severely deaf
  • Are without speech
  • Have a disability or injury preventing them from driving
  • Have a learning disability
  • Have a medical condition that prevents them from driving (e.g., epilepsy)

When can you use it?

The pass is valid on local buses from 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays and at any time on weekends and bank holidays. The pass can be used anywhere in England, not just locally.

How to apply

Apply through your local council. You will need proof of age or disability, plus a passport-style photo. Renew when the pass expires.

Disabled Persons Railcard

The Disabled Persons Railcard gives you and a companion 1/3 off most rail fares across Great Britain. Cost: £20/year or £54 for three years.

Who qualifies?

• Receive PIP or Disability Living Allowance (either component)
• Receive Attendance Allowance
• Are registered blind or partially sighted
• Are Deaf and use British Sign Language or lipspeaking as your main form of communication
• Have epilepsy
• Buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme
• Are a war pensioner with disabilities due to service

Apply at disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk or at staffed railway stations.

The companion discount is particularly valuable — a carer or family member accompanying the disabled person also travels at 1/3 off, on the same ticket.

Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme allows disabled people to use their higher rate PIP mobility component (or higher rate DLA mobility, or War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement) to lease a new car, powered wheelchair or scooter.

• The mobility payment is paid directly to Motability — you do not receive the cash
• Lease includes insurance, breakdown cover, tyres and servicing in most cases
• Some vehicles require an advance payment (depending on model)
• Available to anyone receiving the PIP enhanced mobility component (currently £75.75/week, 2025/26) or higher rate DLA mobility component

Apply at motability.co.uk or call 0300 456 4566.

Local Transport Schemes

Many local councils and areas offer additional transport support beyond the national bus pass:

• Community transport — door-to-door minibus services for people who cannot use public transport. Usually subsidised. Contact your council.
• Dial-a-Ride — London's free door-to-door transport service for disabled and older people who cannot use the bus or Tube.
• Taxicard / taxi subsidies — some councils provide taxi vouchers or subsidised taxi rides for disabled people. Contact your council.
• Local bus companion passes — some councils extend the free bus pass to companions when the disabled person needs assistance.

Air Travel Assistance

Under EU Regulation 1107/2006 (retained in UK law), airports and airlines must provide free assistance to disabled and reduced-mobility passengers. This includes:

• Assistance from arrival at the airport to your aircraft seat
• Wheelchair assistance throughout the airport
• Priority boarding
• Carriage of your own wheelchair (airlines must carry your manual wheelchair free)
• Assistance at destination airport

Request assistance when booking — not at the airport on the day. Contact both your airline and the airport. If you experience poor service, complain to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Blue Badge (Parking)

The Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for disabled people — allowing parking closer to destinations, on yellow lines (in many cases) and in disabled bays. See our full Blue Badge guide.