Eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard has been expanded to include more people whose long-term impairment, health condition or neurodivergence creates significant barriers to travelling by rail.
The revised rules take effect on 30 September 2026. Applicants must show that their condition has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months and significantly affects their ability to use rail services.
Eligibility based on impact
Applicants will need to provide either a report or letter from a health professional explaining the effect of their condition on rail travel, or an impact declaration signed by a suitably qualified and regulated health or social care professional.
Eligibility will be assessed on the impact of a condition rather than diagnosis alone. For conditions whose effects vary substantially between individuals, confirmation of a diagnosis may not be sufficient. Applications requiring professional evidence will be independently assessed to determine whether the applicant faces significant disability-related barriers to rail travel.
The changes follow a review by the Rail Delivery Group, the Department for Transport and the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. The review examined the barriers disabled people face when travelling by train and how those barriers could be addressed.
“Expanding eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard will help more disabled people who face additional barriers when travelling by train access more affordable journeys. It is another step towards putting accessibility at the heart of the railway as we move towards Great British Railways.”
Dan Mann, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Rail Delivery Group
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said the change would help thousands more people access cheaper rail travel and travel with greater confidence. He added that it was intended to make it easier for disabled people to reach education and employment and maintain connections with friends and family.
Railcard uptake rises
Research conducted by the Rail Delivery Group found support for widening eligibility, including non-visible disabilities. Some 79% of existing Disabled Persons Railcard holders and 73% of non-holders supported the change.
The first stage of the eligibility changes was introduced in March 2026, allowing a broader group of customers to use existing documentation, including Blue Badge and Disabled Persons Bus Pass holders. Since then, 154,480 Disabled Persons Railcards have been purchased, compared with 111,141 over the same period in the previous year – a 39% increase.
The railcard provides one-third off rail travel across Great Britain for the cardholder and one accompanying adult, with no time restrictions. It costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years, and the average annual saving for a holder is £126.
Applications can be made online, by phone or by post. Full eligibility criteria and application guidance are available from the Disabled Persons Railcard website.