Starting today, a greater number of individuals, including Blue Badge holders, will now be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard. The criteria for eligibility have been broadened to encompass a wider range of both visible and non-visible disabilities.
The Disabled Persons Railcard offers a 1/3 discount on rail fares, saving the average person approximately £126 annually. It can be purchased for £20 for a one-year card or £54 for three years. To discover more money-saving tips on transportation, visit this link.
Additionally, the discount applies to a companion aged 16 and above traveling with the cardholder. The eligibility for a Disabled Persons Railcard has been expanded to include individuals who meet specific criteria.
The previous eligibility criteria remain in effect, ensuring entitlement for a Disabled Persons Railcard for those meeting certain conditions. The expansion of eligibility criteria for the Railcard was initially announced in November 2025, with further extensions planned for September 2026.
Further expansions later this year will include certain long-term medical conditions and forms of neurodiversity significantly affecting a person’s ability to travel by train. Detailed evidentiary requirements and application guidance will be released before September.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, emphasized the importance of widening eligibility for the Railcard, aiming to enhance accessibility to rail travel for more individuals.
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, highlighted the significance of the Railcard expansion in fostering a more inclusive railway, making everyday journeys more affordable for a larger demographic. Accessibility is a focal point in the railways’ agenda, as demonstrated by the Accessible Railways Roadmap under Great British Railways initiative.
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