Tom Gordon calls for bus pass rule to change for disabled people.
Last week, Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, met with the Minister for Local Transport, to push for an end to bus pass restrictions that disadvantage disabled people.
Disabled passengers are entitled to free travel on local buses — but only during off-peak hours.
While local authorities have the option to extend this to include peak times, most choose not to, meaning disabled people are barred from using their passes before 9:30am.
Tom voiced his feelings of the rule being 'outdated' and 'discriminatory' and urged the Minister to take national action to fix it.
The issue was first raised with Tom during a panel discussion earlier this year with Disability Action Yorkshire.
At the event, disabled residents spoke about the daily challenges they face, including the frustration of not being able to use their bus passes at the same times as everyone else.
During the meeting last week, Tom brought these frustrations to the Minister, urging him to recognise the real-life impact of the 9:30 am rule.
Tom called for the Department for Transport to mandate all-day free travel for disabled passengers, rather than leaving it up to individual councils.
Tom also stressed that while increased funding for bus services is welcome, it doesn’t solve the deeper issue of unequal access.
Commenting, Tom said:
"The policy that prevents disabled people from using their bus passes before 9:30am is outdated, unfair and simply must change.
"It creates unnecessary barriers to work, education, and independence.
"The government says it wants to support disabled people into work yet it allows policies like this to remain in place.
"If they’re serious about breaking down barriers, this is exactly the kind of restriction that needs to go.
"The government has a responsibility to lead on this issue.
"We can’t keep passing the buck to local councils while disabled people are left behind."
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