From 1 March 2026, the Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility criteria will be extended to include a broader range of visible and non-visible disabilities, enabling more people to benefit from significant savings on their rail travel.
The changes mean thousands more people will qualify for the Railcard, which offers:
- A third off rail fares for the named card holder
- A third off for one accompanying adult aged 16+, helping their companions save too
- Average annual savings of around £126 a year, the Railcard pays for itself in no time
- Access to partner discounts, including days out, hotels and restaurants
To make the Railcard easier to access, from 1 March eligibility will extend to those who:
- Have a Blue Badge
- Receive a Disabled Persons Bus Pass in England, Scotland or Wales
- Receive a London Disabled Persons Freedom Pass
- Are currently unable to drive on medical grounds
- Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) benefits
- Receive Industrial Injuries Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher
- Are without speech
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.”
The expansion of the Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility criteria was announced in November 2025 as part of governments Accessible Railways Roadmap, outlining the actions being taken to improve accessibility across the rail network ahead of creation of Great British Railways (GBR).
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said: “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.”
From September 2026, the eligibility will be extended even further to remove barriers for people who face significant challenges when travelling by train. This will include conditions requiring clinical or professional evidence, such as some long-term or degenerative medical conditions and forms of neurodiversity that have a substantial impact on a person’s ability to travel by train. Full details of the evidentiary requirements and application guidance will be published ahead of September to ensure customers and frontline staff have clear, consistent information.
The Disabled Persons Railcard costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years.
For more information visit www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk