People with ADHD will be able to get a third off train tickets under new changes to disabled railcards. The eligibility rules for disabled railcards were expanded to include a wider range of conditions at the end of September.
Among them are neurodivergent diagnoses including ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, in a change Laboour says will “usher in a new era of more accessible, affordable and inclusive rail travel”. The expansion was designed to cover people who have a “long-term impairment, health condition or neurodivergence that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months and significantly affects their ability to use rail services”.
Alison Griffiths, shadow parliamentary under-secretary for transport, criticised the move, stressing that rail discounts should be limited to “people with genuine, serious disabilities”. Ms Griffiths told The Telegraph: “Taxpayers should not be expected to fork out for people with low-level mental health conditions, some of whom already receive taxpayer-funded PIP.”
The number of people holding disabled railcards reached a record high of 450,000 this year, a massive spike from the sub-200,000 recipients of the discount in 2016, according to data from the Office of Rail and Road. Rail minister Lord Hendy hailed the expanded eligibility as a “railcard revolution” earlier this year.
He said the scheme will “help thousands more people access cheaper rail travel, helping disabled people travel with confidence”. “The Government is determined to help ordinary people live better lives and this change is just one measure that will make it that bit easier for disabled people to get to education, employment, and stay in touch with friends and family,” he added.
The Rail Delivery Group, which manages and distributes railcards, also encouraged anyone who thinks they might fit the criteria to apply. A spokesperson said: “There is no list of neurodivergent or degenerative conditions that automatically qualify. Instead, applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, recognising that experience and support needs can vary considerably between individuals.”
It marks the scheme’s second expansion this year, with those holding a Blue Badge qualifying for a disabled railcard under changes rolled out in the spring. The criteria was also expanded in March to cover people who have a disabled person’s bus pass, can’t drive on medical grounds and are without speech.
The railcard, which entitles both the holder and an adult companion to one-third off most train fares across the country, costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years. The Rail Delivery Group estimates that it saves holders around £126 annually.
