York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith has signalled he may review the rule that stops disabled people from using their bus passes before 9am, following pressure from Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon.
In a response to Tom’s letter last month, the Mayor confirmed that the Combined Authority is “interested in exploring” changes to the current policy.
Tom welcomed the response as a positive first step, saying he is ready to work with the Mayor to make sure disabled people get fairer access to public transport.
However, he urged the Mayor to move quickly from words to action, warning that many people are still being held back by the current restriction.
This development follows months of campaigning by Tom, including his amendment to the Bus Services Bill which would have lifted the restriction nationally – an amendment blocked by Labour MPs in Parliament.
Other regions, including East Sussex and Greater Manchester, have already taken steps to remove or trial earlier travel for disabled passengers, showing that change is both possible and affordable.
Commenting, Tom said:
It’s good to see the Mayor recognising that this rule needs to change, that’s a welcome step forward.
I’m keen to work with him and the Combined Authority to make sure this review leads to action, and that disabled people across our area can travel freely and fairly.
Other parts of the country have already made this change, and York and North Yorkshire shouldn’t be left behind. Let’s get on and deliver it.
