Starting today, more individuals, including Blue Badge holders, will be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard. The criteria for this railcard have been expanded to encompass a wider range of visible and non-visible disabilities, allowing for a 1/3 discount on rail tickets, translating to an average annual saving of approximately £126. The cost of the railcard is £20 for one year or £54 for three years. Additionally, one person aged 16 or above traveling with the cardholder can also benefit from the discount.
The existing eligibility rules remain in place, ensuring entitlement to a Disabled Persons Railcard for individuals meeting specific conditions. The expansion of eligibility, first announced in November 2025, will further broaden in September 2026 to include long-term or degenerative medical conditions and certain forms of neurodiversity significantly affecting an individual’s ability to travel by train. Detailed evidentiary requirements and application guidelines for the upcoming expansion will be released prior to September.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, emphasized the significance of widening railcard eligibility, aiming to facilitate more individuals in accessing rail services with confidence. Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, highlighted the importance of the railcard expansion in enhancing railway inclusivity and affordability for a broader demographic, aligning with the Accessible Railways Roadmap’s objectives for a more accessible and supportive rail network.