Once again, MPs fail to recognise the needs of disabled people using public transport to take childr

Samantha Fletcher

Yet again another unbelievable decision from UK ministers at a time they say they want to see more disabled people in work, they make a decision that makes this harder.

The proposal to the Bus Services (No.2) Bill by MP Tom Gordon (Liberal Democrats) to remove the 2300-0930hrs exception to free travel for Disabled people was thrown out by 300 votes to 69 during a debate late last week.

This is a vote which reduces the freedom of Disabled people to travel before 9.30 in the morning, in a scheme intended to promote disability inclusion. Instead, it makes it unaffordable to travel, when many Disabled people need to.

Disabled bus pass holders in England, make up about 10% of all concessionary users, and although the DfT (Department for Transport) say that some local authorities offer some form of free travel before 9.30 am, only a third provide unrestricted, 24/7 access.

This means that for Disabled people, who are in low paid employment and or receiving social security, commuting to work, attending education or attending early health appointments, is unaffordable.

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/mps-vote-against-lifting-restrictions-bus-travel-930