The Labour MP has welcomed the move by PM Andy Burnham

A Doncaster MP has welcomed free bus travel 24/7 for 30,000 disabled people in South Yorkshire.

More than 30,000 eligible disabled people across the county will get free bus travel all day, every day, after Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the government will lift time restrictions on concessionary passes, in plans backed by Sally Jameson, Doncaster Central MP.

From 1 April 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day.

This extra support will help to open up access to workplaces, education, training, and other opportunities as well as giving people breathing space on the cost of living and putting money back in people’s pockets.

Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9.30am and 11pm during weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension.

For example, in Greater Manchester, the local authority permanently lifted the time restrictions from March this year.

However, this creates a postcode lottery through a patchwork of different rules across the country.

Ms Jameson said: "I've heard from constituents in Doncaster about how frustrating it is to hold a bus pass that doesn't work when you actually need it.

“Whether it's getting to work or a hospital appointment, a disabled bus pass should not have barriers. Buses are a lifeline for so many people - particularly those who are disabled - enabling them to access public services and social networks.”

Backed by £60 million of funding, the Government is now stepping in to remove these time restrictions across the whole of England, so that from next year, disabled bus pass holders can always travel for free on buses, regardless of their postcode.

She said: “This is part of the government’s wider commitment to better, affordable, reliable buses, including the £2 bus fare cap and giving local leaders control over their buses.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “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 news of an extension to free bus travel for disabled people comes during the time Ms Jameson is campaigning for a free Doncaster city centre hopper bus. Bus services in Doncaster will be controlled by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority from September 2027, through the South Yorkshire People’s Network.