Wakefield leads the way with free peak time travel for disabled residents

Wednesday, March 04, 2026

Disabled residents in Wakefield are set to be the first to benefit from anytime bus travel from May this year.

Wakefield was successfully chosen to pilot the West Yorkshire Combined Authority scheme, giving residents with a disabled bus pass free, unrestricted travel across the district.

“We’ve been working closely with the Mayor and the Combined Authority to bring this to the district.

“Any of our residents travelling on a disabled bus pass will no longer be restricted to off peak times and can use their pass at any time. Giving more flexibility and helping people lead more independent lives.

“I’m pleased that the Combined Authority recognised the importance of getting this support into our district as soon as possible. Our role as the first place in the country to lead the government’s pilot scheme for job seekers, means we are more determined than ever to make sure our disabled community has the same access to opportunities as others.”

Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Highways

If successful in Wakefield, the Combined Authority plans to roll-out the scheme across the whole of West Yorkshire when Weaver Network buses hit the roads.

This early introduction will allow the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to assess the impact of the change before the region-wide launch. The wider roll-out in 2027 is expected to coincide with the first Weaver Network buses coming into service, subject to approval at the upcoming Combined Authority meeting.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: “Having a disability should not limit your ability to access work. You asked and we have listened - allowing disabled people to travel for free before 9.30am will lift barriers to opportunity and help to grow our economy by better-connecting people to jobs and training.

“We are building the bus network the people of our region deserve by investing millions to improve journeys for passengers.

“The Weaver Network and its buses will be the pride of West Yorkshire.”

At the moment disabled and companion pass holders must pay a full fare before 9.30am on weekdays. The new scheme removes that restriction in Wakefield from May 2026, offering greater flexibility and independence for disabled travellers.