Local MP’s Campaign Gathers Pace to End Bus Pass Restrictions for Disabled People

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has ramped up his campaign to allow disabled people to use their bus passes at any time of day. This week, he 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 They argue that the policy is outdated, unfair, and places yet another barrier in the way of disabled people, who already face increased living costs, limited transport options, and deep-rooted inequalities.

Among those attending was Disability Action Yorkshire, an organisation Tom has worked with since the start of his campaign, 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.

The meeting provided a crucial opportunity for attendees to coordinate efforts, share campaign ideas, and plan next steps to tackle peak-time travel restrictions for disabled people. Tom is grateful to everyone who made the time to attend and believes the meeting was a successful step forward for the campaign.

This latest milestone builds on Tom’s previous actions, including 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.

Tom remains determined to continue working with MPs and campaigners to see this restrictive rule overturned. 

Commenting 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forward - bringing together national charities, campaigners, and MPs from all parties united by one goal: ending the outdated and discriminatory rule that stops disabled people from using their bus passes during peak hours.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.’ 

ENDS