Starting today, a larger group of individuals, including Blue Badge holders, will now be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard. The criteria for qualifying for this railcard has been expanded to encompass a wider range of both visible and non-visible disabilities.
By obtaining a Disabled Persons Railcard, travelers can enjoy a 33% discount on rail fares, resulting in an average annual saving of approximately £126. The cost of the railcard is £20 for one year or £54 for a three-year validity period. For more money-saving tips on transportation, you can refer to additional resources.
The discount also extends to one companion aged 16 or older traveling with the cardholder. The new eligibility criteria now cover individuals who meet specific conditions, in addition to the existing criteria.
The modification to the eligibility criteria for the Disabled Persons Railcard was initially announced in November 2025 and is due to be further expanded in September 2026. The upcoming expansion will incorporate certain long-term medical conditions and forms of neurodiversity that significantly impact an individual’s ability to travel by train.
Detailed information on the evidentiary requirements and application process will be released before September. Jacqueline Starr, the Executive Chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, emphasized the importance of broadening railcard eligibility to facilitate more individuals in accessing rail travel with confidence.
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, highlighted the significance of the expansion, emphasizing the goal of creating a more inclusive railway system that makes daily journeys more affordable and accessible for a larger segment of the population. Accessibility is a key focus of the Accessible Railways Roadmap, paving the way for a transformation under Great British Railways.