Thousands more people eligible for Disabled Persons Railcard

The travel card, which costs £20 for one year or £54 for three, gives a third off rail fares for the cardholder and one accompanying adult aged 16+.

New eligibility covers a broad group of people, including those who have a Blue Badge, hold a Disabled Persons Bus Pass or London Freedom Pass, are medically unable to drive, receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme benefits, receive Industrial Injuries Benefit for 20% or more, or are without speech.

For anyone who meets one of these criteria, the application process is straightforward, giving more travellers access to cheaper, easier journeys.

And there’s more: from September 2026, eligibility will expand further to include conditions requiring clinical or professional evidence, such as some long-term or degenerative conditions and neurodiverse conditions that affect travel.

The railcard is accepted by all train companies who operate passenger railway services within England, Scotland and Wales.

Railcards do not give discounts on Eurostar services, charter services, and heritage railways.

For details and to apply, visit disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk.

Jacqueline Starr, CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, says: “Widening eligibility is an important step in helping more people travel with confidence.

"We are committed to creating a railway that’s inclusive, welcoming, and supportive for every passenger.”

Rail Minister Lord Hendy adds: “Accessibility is at the heart of our railways. Everyone should be able to commute, access education, or visit loved ones without barriers.”

This expansion is part of the government’s Accessible Railways Roadmap, paving the way for a more inclusive network under Great British Railways.