Andy Burnham hands massive third off rail fares for group of Brits with this diagnosis

People with ADHD may be entitled to a third off rail fares following new changes to disabled railcard eligibility criteria. The qualifying rules for disabled railcards were broadened to encompass a wider range of conditions at the end of September. Amongst the newly included conditions are neurodivergent diagnoses such as ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, in a move Labour claims 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 , hit out at the move, arguing that rail discounts should be restricted to "people with genuine, serious disabilities". Speaking to the Telegraph Griffiths said: "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 disabled railcard holders hit a record high of 450,000 this year, a staggering leap from the fewer than 200,000 recipients of the discount back in 2016, according to figures from the Office of Rail and Road. Rail minister Lord Hendy praised the broadened eligibility as a "railcard revolution" earlier this year. He stated the initiative will "help thousands more people access cheaper rail travel, helping disabled people travel with confidence."

He added: "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." The Rail Delivery Group, which oversees and issues railcards, also urged anyone who believes they might meet the requirements to submit an application, reports the Express . A spokesperson explained: "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." This represents the programme's second widening this year, with Blue Badge holders becoming eligible for a disabled railcard following amendments introduced in the spring. The eligibility was also broadened in March to include people who possess a disabled person's bus pass, cannot drive for medical reasons and are without speech.

The railcard, which grants both the cardholder and an adult travelling companion one-third off most train tickets nationwide, is priced at £20 for one year or £54 for three years. The Rail Delivery Group calculates that it saves cardholders approximately £126 each year.