DISABLED bus-pass holders in Dudley will be able to travel free at any time of day from April next year under a new Government-backed national scheme.
From April 1, 2027, time restrictions will be removed from disabled concessionary bus passes across England following a £60 million funding pledge from the Government.
At present, the national concession only guarantees free weekday travel between 9.30am and 11pm, but the change means disabled passengers will be able to travel at any hour, every day of the week.
Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley, said: "For many disabled people in Dudley, buses aren't simply a convenient way of getting around – they're a lifeline connecting them with work, education, healthcare, family and their community.
"Someone travelling to an early shift, a hospital appointment or college shouldn't find that the bus pass in their pocket can't be used simply because of the time of day.
"That's why I welcome this change.
"From April next year, disabled people will have the reassurance of knowing that their concessionary bus pass can be used at any time of day.
"With more than 43,000 disabled concessionary passes across the West Midlands Combined Authority area, this is a change that has the potential to make a practical difference to thousands of people's everyday lives.
"Good public transport is also about independence and opportunity.
"I want people in Dudley to be able to get to work, attend appointments, access education and training, and stay connected with the people and places that matter to them."
There were 43,737 disabled concessionary travel passes recorded across the West Midlands Combined Authority area in 2025.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Buses are a lifeline for so many people – making it easier to get to work, education, and healthcare.
"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.
"I did it before in Greater Manchester and I’m proud to do it now for the whole country.
"This is part of our ongoing action to bring back hope and give people some much-needed breathing space on the cost of living."
The change comes in response to feedback from disabled people and advocacy groups about the need for more flexible transport options.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: "We're putting an end to this postcode lottery, so disabled people can travel on buses for free whenever they need, wherever they live – unlocking opportunities and access to jobs, learning, and more.
"We are making this change because we’ve listened to disabled people, and we know the importance of buses to local communities.
"These passes are a lifeline for so many, helping them stay connected and get to work and appointments, and it's only right they receive the same treatment, no matter their postcode."
The policy forms part of wider government reforms to bus services under the Bus Services Act, which is supported by £3 billion in funding.
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