Government bus announcement will help Council deliver even stronger travel offer
Telford & Wrekin Council has welcomed the Government’s announcement that all restrictions on concessionary bus passes for disabled people in England will be removed, allowing eligible pass holders to travel for free at any time of day from April 2027.
The change, which is due to come into effect from April next year means concessionary bus passes holders will no longer be restricted to using their passes between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, giving them access to free bus travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The national announcement comes as Telford & Wrekin Council continues to invest in bus services, making travel across the Borough more affordable, accessible and reliable for residents and visitors.
Alongside the Council’s extended £2 adult fare and £1 fare for under-19s being expanded to Arriva services, the On-demand service has been expanded to provide passengers with more travel options in areas where traditional bus services are limited.
Routes have also been reviewed, timetables updated and additional journeys introduced in response to feedback from passengers. Since the latest changes were introduced last summer, passenger numbers have increased by more than 21 per cent, showing growing demand and continued confidence in the bus service.
More than 90 new and improved bus shelters have also been installed across the Borough, helping to enhance the passenger experience. This summer, the Council launched Wrekin Connect, helping residents and visitors explore Ironbridge, Wellington and The Wrekin while supporting local high streets and visitor destinations.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said:
“We’re really pleased to welcome the Government’s latest bus travel announcement, which will make a genuine difference to disabled people across our Borough.
“Removing these restrictions will give disabled people more freedom and flexibility to get to work, attend appointments, access education or simply spend time with family and friends.
“We know how important affordable and reliable public transport is to people’s everyday lives. This change fits closely with the work we’re already doing across Telford and Wrekin to make getting around easier and more affordable for everyone.
“Providing a high-quality bus service across Telford and Wrekin is a real priority for us, and I'm pleased that our investment in better services is already delivering positive results for people.
“We will continue investing in bus services as part of our wider commitment to protect, care and invest to create a better borough, and I look forward to implementing this policy and seeing the benefits it will bring to disabled residents when it comes into effect in April 2027."
To keep up to date with the latest announcements around travel in Telford and Wrekin, follow @TravelTelford on Facebook.
For full details on timetables, fares and services, visit www.telford.gov.uk/TFbus or download the Citymapper app which integrates both council and public bus services, making travel more convenient than ever.