Norfolk making bus travel free 24/7 for disabled

From 1 February 2024 all Norfolk residents who hold a disabled concessionary travel pass will be eligible for free bus travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week when travelling within the county.

The decision was made by Norfolk County Council. Previously concessionary pass holders with a disability were only able to travel for free on buses off-peak (all day on Saturdays and Sundays but only from 9.30am Monday to Friday) except for those registered blind or visually impaired. The change was recommended following an updated equality impact assessment of the scheme which concluded that it is unfair to offer a discretionary enhancement to just one group of disabled people (those who are blind or visually impaired).

“Allowing all holders of a disabled pass and their eligible companions to travel for free on buses before 9.30am opens-up a wealth of opportunities for them” – Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport

Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said: “Allowing all holders of a disabled pass and their eligible companions to travel for free on buses before 9.30am opens-up a wealth of opportunities for them. It ensures they have access to work, education and leisure and helps to combat the risks of social isolation which can be associated with having a disability. In addition, encouraging more use of public transport leads to a greener future and helps towards our ambitious net-zero targets.”

The cost of providing this enhancement is estimated at £50,000 which will be funded by the Council’s ring-fenced public transport budget provided by the DfT.