People with 'hidden' conditions such as ADHD are now entitled to get a third off their train tickets after rail bosses expanded eligibility rules.
But the move has prompted outrage from critics who argue taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for what they describe as 'low-level' mental health disorders.
The Disabled Persons Railcard (DPRC) expanded its criteria last month to include neurodivergence on the eligibility list.
ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – is recognised as a neurodivergent condition by the NHS.
Those who hold a DPRC can claim a one-third discount on their travel, as well as a person travelling with them.
Other conditions on the list include people receiving disability benefits or who have a blue badge, those with a visual, hearing or speech impairment, epilepsy, and those with 'significant' long-term health conditions.
The Rail Delivery Group, which issues the cards, has stressed the criteria was expanded to include disabilities and conditions that 'require professional health evidence and more detailed assessment, including some long-term or degenerative medical conditions, and neurodiversity where it has a substantial impact on a person's ability to travel by train'.
It added that eligible individuals 'must experience significant disability-related barriers to rail travel'.
People with 'hidden' conditions such as ADHD are now entitled to get a third off their train tickets after rail bosses expanded eligibility rules
Rail minister Lord Hendy has previously praised the expansion of the scheme as a 'railcard revolution' that was 'ushering in a new era of more accessible, affordable and inclusive rail travel'.
He said in a statement last month: 'Expanding eligibility for our Disabled Persons Railcard will help thousands more people access cheaper rail travel, helping disabled people travel with confidence.
'This 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.'
However, critics argue some people will 'take advantage' of the scheme, with taxpayers left paying to fund it.
Alison Griffiths, the shadow parliamentary under-secretary for transport, told The Telegraph: 'Rail discounts for people with genuine, serious disabilities are perfectly reasonable.
'But taxpayers should not be expected to fork out for people with low-level mental health conditions, some of whom already receive taxpayer-funded PIP [personal independence payment].
'A dark 'sickfluencer' industry has developed, coaching people how to take advantage of a system that is supposed to support those with legitimate needs'.
The Rail Delivery Group said applications would be considered on a case-by-case basis, adding the criteria now includes people with access needs who were previously overlooked.
According to the Office of Rail and Road statistics, the number of disabled railcard holders has shot up in a decade from fewer than 200,000 card-holders in 2016 – to a record high of more than 450,000 people this year.
A Department for Transport Spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'Expanding eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard is the right thing to do.
'It will help improve access to rail transport and make easier for disabled people to get to education or employment, and stay in touch with friends and family.
'Applications for the railcard require support from either a medical or social care professional and are based on the impact a person's condition has one their ability to travel by rail – not by diagnosis alone.'
