Over three million Blue Badge holders can now save a third on train travel thanks to a significant rule change announced by Martin Lewis for the Disabled Persons Railcard program. Comments 0 Kieran Murray content editor, and Linda Howard money and consumer writer, 17:01, March 15, 2026
Martin Lewis announces a new rule that applies to all Blue Badge holders. View Image Martin Lewis discusses a new rule that applies to all Blue Badge holders (Image: Ormskirk Advertiser)
According to Martin Lewis an eligibility rule change for the Disabled Persons Railcard scheme has made it possible for over three million Blue Badge holders in Great Britain to benefit. The consumer advocate described how the application process has been simplified to enable more people to claim a third off all rail travel during the most recent episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on ITV.
“Blue Badge holders can now qualify for a Disabled Person’s Railcard which is one-third off fares,” Martin said to the audience. You are now eligible if you have a Blue Badge, a Disabled Persons Bus Pass, or are unable to drive due to a medical condition.”
Martin stated that while the current methods of qualifying for the discount are still applicable, “if you’ve had the test for a Blue Badge you don’t need to go through the test again.”
According to the Daily Record the change, which went into effect on March 1, was expanded to include a greater variety of visible and invisible disabilities, making discounted rail travel available to many people who were previously ineligible.
A Disabled Persons Railcard is available to who?
- Possess a Blue Badge
- Obtain a Disabled People’s Bus Pass in Wales England or Scotland
- Get a London Freedom Pass for Disabled People
- are presently unable to operate a vehicle due to a medical condition
- Get benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme AFCS
- Get benefits for industrial injuries if you have a 20% or greater degree of disability.
- lack speech supported by expert testimony
The expansion follows a review by the Department for Transport, the Rail Delivery Group, and the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, which concluded that the eligibility requirements needed to more accurately reflect the current understanding of disability and the challenges people face when traveling.
“Expanding the eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard is an important step forward in helping more people access rail and travel with confidence stated Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO of Rail Delivery Group.
“Working closely with the UK 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.”
September will see more modifications.
The eligibility will be expanded even further starting in September 2026 to eliminate barriers for those who encounter significant difficulties when traveling by train.
This will include ailments that need clinical or expert proof like certain chronic or degenerative illnesses and types of neurodiversity that significantly affect a person’s capacity to travel by train.
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