More people will become eligible for a Disabled Person Railcard from Sunday following a review of the eligibility criteria.
Industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said the eligibility criteria will be extended to include a broader range of visible and non-visible disabilities.
People who will become able to purchase it include those who have a Blue Badge, hold a disabled person’s bus pass, are unable to drive on medical grounds or are unable to talk.
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About 390,000 of the railcards are currently in circulation.
They cost £20 for one year or £54 for three years, and provide a 33% discount on train fares for the named card holder and an adult companion.
This provides average annual savings of £126 per card, the RDG said.
Changes to the eligibility criteria follow a review by the RDG, the Department for Transport and the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, which provides advice to the Government.
RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr said the changes are “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.”
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 criteria for the Disabled Persons Railcard will be extended further in September to include conditions which require professional health evidence and more detailed assessment.
