Disabled Persons Railcard More Widely Available

The Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility criteria will be extended from March 1 to include a broader range of visible and non-visible disabilities.

The changes mean thousands more people will benefit from significant savings on their rail travel, including: 

·           A third off rail fares for the named card holder 

·           A third off for one accompanying adult aged 16+, helping their companions save too 

·           Average annual savings of around £126 a year, the Railcard pays for itself in no time 

·           Access to partner discounts, including days out, hotels and restaurants 

To make the Railcard easier to access the eligibility criteria will extend to those who: 

·           Have a Blue Badge  

·           Receive a Disabled Persons Bus Pass in England, Scotland or Wales 

·           Receive a London Disabled Persons Freedom Pass 

·           Are currently unable to drive on medical grounds 

·           Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) benefits 

·           Receive Industrial Injuries Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher 

·           Are without speech 

“Widening the eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard is an important step forward in helping more people access rail and travel with confidence,” said Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group.

“Working closely with government the industry is committed to building a railway that reflects the needs of the communities we serve today and, in the future, ensuring our network is inclusive, welcoming and supportive for every passenger.” 

The expansion of the Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility criteria is part of the Accessible Railways Roadmap, which outlines actions government is taking to improve accessibility across the rail network ahead of creation of Great British Railways (GBR).  

From September 2026, the eligibility will be extended even further to remove barriers for people who face significant challenges when travelling by train.

This will include conditions requiring clinical or professional evidence, such as some long-term or degenerative medical conditions and forms of neurodiversity that have a substantial impact on a person's ability to travel by train.

Full details of the evidentiary requirements and application guidance will be published ahead of September to ensure customers and frontline staff have clear, consistent information. 

The Disabled Persons Railcard costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years. 

For more information visit www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk