Whizz Kidz Calls for End to Bus Pass Postcode Lottery at Westminster Event

Whizz Kidz, the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users, today hosted a landmark event in Parliament to demand urgent reform of disabled bus pass legislation in England. Currently, disabled people are only entitled to free bus travel between 9:30am and 11pm. While some Travel Concession Authorities extend these hours, others do not—creating a postcode lottery that leaves many disabled people unable to access work, education, healthcare, and community life.

The event, held in the Attlee Suite at Portcullis House, brought together MPs, peers, bus companies, and disability organisations to hear directly from young disabled people and local authorities trialling all-day free travel. Updated statistics from Whizz Kidz’s Beyond Fare report were presented, alongside case studies from councils and charities demonstrating the impact of inclusive transport policies.

The Beyond Fare report, based on Freedom of Information requests to Travel Concession Authorities, revealed:

• 60 out of 82 TCAs in England had time restrictions on when disabled people can use their bus passes.
• Only around 1 in 4 authorities offered free travel at all times.
• In 2022/23, disabled people made an estimated 200 million journeys using their disabled bus passes, yet many were forced to pay peak fares to access jobs, hospital appointments, or education.

Tom Gordon MP, who is chaired the event, said:

“Disabled people should not face barriers to travel simply because of where they live. Wales and Scotland already offer free travel at all times—England must follow suit. Today’s event is about ending this postcode lottery and ensuring equality nationwide.”

Sarah Pugh, CEO of Whizz Kidz added;

“Young wheelchair users shouldn’t have to plan their lives around a bus timetable. Right now, too many are stuck paying peak fares just to get to school, college, or hospital appointments. Wales and Scotland already give disabled people the freedom to travel anytime—England must stop holding young people back. That is why Whizz Kidz is urging MPs to back legislative change to guarantee free bus travel for disabled people at all times, ending the postcode lottery once and for all. Free travel at all times isn’t a luxury, it’s the key to independence.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor or Greater Manchester also spoke at the event and stated;

“I am pleased to be supporting Whizz Kidz and this important campaign. I know what an exceptional organisation they are, having fundraised for them during the London Marathon in 2014. I would like to pay tribute to the Youth Board for producing the Beyond Fare report and for the significant work and dedication that has gone into it. Public transport cannot truly be considered public until it is accessible to everyone. That is why we have been trialling this initiative in Greater Manchester in August and November, and I am hopeful that this will lead to positive and meaningful changes in the new year.”

Speakers at the event included Sarah Pugh, Chief Executive of Whizz Kidz, members of the Whizz Kidz Youth Board, Lydia Horbury (Bus Users UK), Sophia Kleanthous (Transport for All), and Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

The event was supported by disability charities including Transport for All, with case studies highlighting the impact of free travel for people with sight loss, hearing loss, and mobility impairments.

ENDS