Good news is on the way for many rail users in the UK. Starting in March, eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard will be widened to encompass a greater range of visible and non-visible disabilities. This means seven additional groups will now be entitled to savings of up to a third on rail travel.
The Disabled Persons Railcard is priced at £20 annually or £54 for three years and reduces rail fares for holders by a third, delivering typical yearly savings of approximately £126. The card also offers additional perks such as a third off for one accompanying adult and access to partner discounts at hotels, restaurants and beyond.
From March, people who have any of the following may be eligible for the railcard:
- A Blue Badge
- A Disabled Persons Bus Pass in England, Scotland or Wales
- A London Disabled Persons Freedom Pass
- Are currently unable to drive on medical grounds
- Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) benefits
- Industrial Injuries Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher
- Are without speech
This broadening of the Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility requirements was initially announced in November 2025 as part of the government’s Accessible Railways Roadmap. It set out the measures being implemented to enhance accessibility throughout the rail network in advance of establishing Great British Railways.
Currently, to be eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard, one of the following must apply:
- You receive a government benefit like PIP, ADP, War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement or DLA
- You have a visual impairment
- You have a hearing impairment
- You have epilepsy
- You have bought or leased a vehicle through the Motability scheme
More eligibility information can be found on the Disabled Persons Railcard website.
From September, eligibility criteria will be broadened to include additional individuals who encounter substantial difficulties when travelling by rail. This expansion will encompass certain long-term or degenerative medical conditions, various forms of neurodiversity and conditions requiring clinical or professional evidence.
The Rail Delivery Group confirmed that comprehensive details regarding this eligibility expansion will be released before September, ensuring both customers and staff receive clear and consistent guidance.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, said: “Widening the eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard is an important step forward in helping more people access rail and travel with confidence.
“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.”
Rail Minister Lord Hendy commented to say: “This expansion of the Disabled Persons Railcard marks an important milestone on our journey to a more inclusive railway, making everyday journeys more affordable for thousands more people. Whether it’s commuting to work, accessing education, or visiting loved ones, everyone should be able to travel with confidence.
“We are putting accessibility at the heart of our railways through the Accessible Railways Roadmap, which lays the foundations for a longer-term transformation under Great British Railways.”