Local MP Urges Transport Minister to Scrap Unfair Buss Pass Rule for Disabled People

Last week, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, met with Simon Lightwood, Minister for Local Transport, to push for an end to unfair bus pass restrictions that disadvantage disabled people in North Yorkshire and across the country.  

Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, 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. 

This restriction places significant and unnecessary barriers in the way of disabled people accessing work, education, healthcare, and daily activities. In today’s meeting, Tom made clear that the rule is not just outdated — it’s discriminatory — and urged the Minister to take national action to fix it.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. He stressed that the current postcode lottery is unfair and undermines equal access to public transport. 

Tom also stressed that while increased funding for bus services is welcome, it doesn’t solve the deeper issue of unequal access. 

Last week’s meeting builds on Tom’s ongoing campaign for equal transport access. Last month, he launched a public petition calling on the government to scrap the peak-hour restriction and guarantee disabled people the right to travel freely, whenever they need to.

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"The policy that prevents disabled people from using their bus passes before 9:30am is outdated, unfair and simply must change.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. Disabled people deserve better.”

 ENDS