Local MP Tom Gordon has ramped up his campaign to allow disabled people to use their bus passes at any time of day.
This week, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough hosted a key meeting in Parliament, bringing together national charities, campaigners, and cross-party MPs to push for change.
Tom and the attendees are calling for the reversal of a restrictive rule that prevents disabled people in North Yorkshire – and in many counties across the country – from using their bus passes during peak hours.
They argue that the policy is “outdated, unfair, and places yet another barrier in the way of disabled people.”
Among those attending was Disability Action Yorkshire, alongside national groups such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People and Waterside Changemakers.
The meeting also saw attendance from MPs across the political spectrum, demonstrating the strong cross-party support behind Tom’s campaign.
Speaking after the meeting, Tom said:
“Today was a big step forward - bringing together national charities, campaigners, and MPs from all parties united by one goal: ending the outdated and discriminatory rule that stops disabled people from using their bus passes during peak hours.
“The support this campaign has received – from charities, campaign groups, the public, and cross-party MPs – proves just how urgent and necessary this change is.
“This rule strips disabled people of choice and freedom in a world that already places too many barriers in their way. It’s time we scrapped it for good.
“I’ll keep working with everyone involved today until we get this over the line.”
Tom’s previous actions on the subject include raising the issue in Parliament, meeting with the Minister for Local Transport, and launching a petition that has already gathered hundreds of signatures from supporters across the country.
The MP said he remains “determined” to continue working with MPs and campaigners to see the “restrictive” rule overturned.
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