The UK government has announced plans to expand mobility support for disabled people by removing existing time-based restrictions on concessionary bus passes starting April 2027. Currently valid only between 9:30am and 11pm on weekdays, the new policy will allow eligible pass holders to travel free at any hour of the day. The initiative is funded through £60 million from existing welfare and transport department budgets, with £40 million from the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million from the Department for Transport.

Government officials framed the policy as addressing cost-of-living pressures whilst improving access to employment and education for disabled people. Barnsley's Liberal Democrats publicly welcomed the announcement, with party leadership attributing it to sustained advocacy efforts by their MPs and supporters. The expansion mirrors similar action previously taken by Greater Manchester's combined authority, which had already removed time constraints from its Bee Network bus service for disabled passengers.