Rail industry extends the Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility to help more people access discounted rail travel
- Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility expands from 30 September, helping more disabled people access discounted rail travel;
- Customers with a long-term impairment, health condition or neurodivergence that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months and significantly affects their ability to use rail services will be able to apply for the Disabled Persons Railcard;
- Eligibility under the expansion will be based on the impact a person's condition has on their ability to travel by rail rather than a diagnosis alone;
- Part of the rail industry's wider commitment to accessibility and inclusion, putting customers at the centre of decision-making and helping more people travel with confidence.
The rail industry is continuing its commitment to accessibility and inclusion by updating eligibility criteria for the Disabled Persons Railcard. These changes are designed to better support disabled customers who may face barriers to rail travel and form part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive railway, putting customers at the centre of decision-making and helping more people travel with confidence.
From 30 September, customers with a long-term impairment, health condition or neurodivergence that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months and significantly affects their ability to use rail services will be able to apply for the Disabled Persons Railcard. Applicants will need to provide either:
- a report or letter from a health professional explaining how their condition affects their ability to use rail services; or
- a completed impact declaration form signed by a suitably qualified and regulated health or social care professional.
Eligibility under the expansion will be based on the impact a person's condition has on their ability to travel by rail rather than a diagnosis alone. For some conditions where the impact can vary significantly between individuals, confirmation of diagnosis on its own may not be sufficient. Applications requiring professional evidence will be independently assessed to determine whether the applicant experiences significant disability-related barriers to rail travel.
The changes follow a review of the Disabled Persons Railcard carried out by Rail Delivery Group, Department for Transport and Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), which focused on understanding the barriers disabled customers face when travelling by rail and how these could be addressed.
Dan Mann, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Rail Delivery Group said: “Rail connects people to jobs, education, family and communities and we want those connections to be accessible to as many people as possible.
“Expanding eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard will help more disabled people who face additional barriers when travelling by train access more affordable journeys. It is another step towards putting accessibility at the heart of the railway as we move towards Great British Railways.”
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said: “Expanding eligibility for our Disabled Persons Railcard will help thousands more people access cheaper rail travel, helping disabled people travel with confidence.
"This Government is determined to help ordinary people live better lives and this change is just one measure that will make it that bit easier for disabled people to get to education, employment, and stay in touch with friends and family.
“It's all part of our plans for Great British Railways, which is putting accessibility at the heart of our railways and increasing our understanding of the barriers that people face.”
Research carried out by Rail Delivery Group as part of the review found strong support for widening eligibility, with 79% of Disabled Persons Railcard holders and 73% of non-holders supporting the inclusion of non-visible disabilities in the eligibility criteria.
The first stage of the changes came into effect in March 2026, expanding eligibility to a broader range of customers who could demonstrate their eligibility through existing documentation, including Blue Badge holders and Disabled Persons Bus Pass holders.
Since then, 154,480 Disabled Persons Railcards have been purchased, compared with 111,141 during the same period the previous year, an increase of 39%.
The Disabled Persons Railcard offers customers one third off rail travel across Great Britain for both the Railcard holder and one accompanying adult. It costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years and can save the holder £126 on average each year. It can be purchased online at railcard.co.uk, by phone or by post. With a Disabled Persons Railcard, customers can travel with no time restrictions.
Customers can find out more about the Disabled Persons Railcard, including the full eligibility criteria and how to apply, at www.railcard.co.uk/disabled-persons-railcard/eligibility/
Contact Information
Juste Raipaite
Notes to editors
- The changes come into effect at 9am on 30 September and customers will be able to apply from then.
- The Disabled Persons Railcard offers 1/3 off most rail fares for the cardholder and one adult companion travelling with them.
- Disabled Persons Railcard holders save an average of £126 a year.
- Phase 1 of the eligibility expansion introduced additional routes for people who could demonstrate eligibility using existing documentary evidence.
- Phase 2 provides an additional route for people whose long-term impairment, health condition or neurodivergence causes significant barriers when using rail services and whose eligibility may need to be confirmed through professional evidence.
- A diagnosis alone may not always be sufficient for conditions where the impact varies. Eligibility is based on applicants experiencing significant disability-related barriers to rail travel.
- Applicants using the new route can provide a report or letter from a health professional explaining their access needs or a completed health declaration form signed by a suitably qualified and regulated health or social care professional.
- Applications requiring professional evidence under the new eligibility route will be assessed by an independent third-party decision-making service. The third-party provider was selected following a public sector procurement tender process.
- Customers with questions about the changes, evidence requirements or how to apply are encouraged to visit www.railcard.co.uk/disabled-persons-railcard/eligibility/ for the latest information.