**Though the English National Concessionary Scheme is an overwhelmingly good thing, it's validity must be extended in terms of hours and area.** Under the English National Concessionary Scheme, people considered “eligible disabled” are [entitled to a bus pass for free travel.](https://www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/cars-buses-and-coaches#:~:text=You%20can%20get%20a%20bus,11pm%20on%20any%20other%20day) Applications can be made online or by post to the local authority and potential eligible circumstances are listed [as follows](https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/transport-parking-and-streets/public-transport/ticketing/concessionary-travel/mobility-concessionary-card/): • Be sight impaired or severely sight impaired • Be severely deaf (minimum hearing loss if it reaches 70 dB HL) • Be without speech in any language • Have a disability, or an injury, which has substantial long term effect on the ability to walk • Not have arms or have long term loss of the use of both arms • Have a learning disability, which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning • Be prevented from being granted a motor vehicle licence under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1998, section 92 (other than on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol) An important observation is that the bus pass is valid only between certain hours of the day: 9:30 am to 11pm. There’s a glaring problem here. The Department for Transport classes the [morning rush hour](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-42917201) as the time between 6:00am and 9:00am. Why then is the bus pass only valid from 9:30am? You might be forgiven for thinking that what is presumably a money saving condition assumes that people who may need access to free travel wouldn’t need it at the peak work commuting time. Though it probably isn’t the case that it’s founded on the belief that people with disabilities (particularly but not limited to those effecting mobility) can’t work, it certainly feels like a bit of a slap in the face. There are elements of this that are at the discretion of the local council. While some councils may extend the passes’ validity beyond off peak hours and may also accept passes from other councils, they are not required to do so. This is not made immediately obvious by the government site, which explicitly states: [“Passes from councils in England can be used anywhere in England”.](https://www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/cars-buses-and-coaches#:~:text=You%20can%20get%20a%20bus,11pm%20on%20any%20other%20day). There is no caveat given. In reality you may very well find yourself stuck in a new city, first thing in the morning, being told that your pass isn’t valid because it’s from another council. Fantastic. Here’s hoping they take contactless. It should be acknowledged that schemes like the English National Concessionary Scheme are not found the world over. It is a fundamentally good thing and it makes travel and commuting easier for many, many people. Often the pass is valid on other local transport networks. In London boroughs such as Lewisham, Westminister and Greenwich [travel is permitted at any time](https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass/using-pass/exclusions-borough) by light rail, underground, bus or even ferry. There are considerable complexities as travel in other boroughs and in some cases beyond certain points on the same line is limited once again to 9:30 onwards. This highlights the need for national consistency and clarity by providers, councils and the DfT.

I really appreciate this perspective, and agree that this is unfair, and it would be ideal if the scheme was everywhere and with wider hours... And while I don't know the exact reasons for the limitations, just two thoughts on the complexity of the situation... The tube at rush hour in London can be a really difficult and dangerous to navigate, even for abled individuals. Crowded plaforms, a crush getting into cars. I often tell visitors to London to avoid the tube at those time because of just how difficult it is. I realize the unfairness of the time restrictions, but I wonder if this is done to protect these individuals from the rush hour conditions and admittedly to avoid disruptions for the service? I also wonder if the geographic restrictions have something to do with individual council resource limitations. Is it possible that this scheme could put burden on some areas that don't have the additional resources needed to support these individuals properly?