Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility to expand from Sunday
More people will be able to access 33% train fare discounts as the Rail Delivery Group extends eligibility criteria to include those with visible and non-visible disabilities
More people will become eligible to purchase a railcard for disabled train passengers from Sunday. Industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) announced that the eligibility criteria for the Disabled Persons Railcard are being broadened to encompass a wider range of both visible and non-visible disabilities.
Among those newly eligible to obtain the card are Blue Badge holders, disabled persons' bus pass holders, people unable to drive on medical grounds, and people unable to speak. Approximately 390,000 of the railcards are currently in circulation. Priced at £20 for one year or £54 for three years, they offer a 33% discount on train fares for both the named cardholder and an adult companion.
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This delivers average annual savings of £126 per card, according to the RDG.
The revised eligibility criteria follow a thorough review conducted by the RDG, the Department for Transport and the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, which provides guidance to the Government.
RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr described the changes as "an important step forward in helping more people access rail and travel with confidence".
She continued: "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."
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Rail minister Lord Hendy said: "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."
The eligibility requirements for the Disabled Persons Railcard will be broadened further in September to encompass conditions which necessitate professional medical evidence and more thorough evaluation.
