North Yorkshire MP ramps up fight to end 9:30am bus pass ban for disabled people
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon says the rules are unfair
Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has intensified his campaign to remove what he calls "unfair and outdated" restrictions on disabled bus travel.
Mr Gordon has submitted a petition to Parliament calling for the removal of the 9:30am start time on concessionary travel passes for disabled people. He will also push for a vote on his proposed amendment to the Bus Services Bill during a debate later today.
The current restriction under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme prevents disabled pass holders from using their free travel passes before 9:30am on weekdays—something Mr Gordon argues unfairly limits access to work, appointments, and daily life.
His amendment has already gained strong cross-party support, with over 50 MPs signing on—more than any other amendment to the Bill.
“Stopping disabled people from using their bus passes before 9:30am is indefensible,” said Mr Gordon. “It creates yet another obstacle for people already facing higher costs and limited choices.”
“With the strongest cross-party support of any amendment to the Bill, the message is clear: this rule must go. I will keep fighting until disabled people get the fairness and freedom they deserve.”