MP warns North Yorkshire is getting left behind

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has written to David Skaith following news that Greater Manchester is set to permanently lift the 9.30am restriction on older and disabled people’s bus passes from March 2026 - saying disabled people in York and North Yorkshire are being left behind. 

The change, from Labour Mayor Andy Burnham, will mean people in Greater Manchester can use their bus passes at any time of day, making it easier to get to work, college, hospital appointments and everyday activities. 

Tom Gordon MP said: 

“This is a good decision from Andy Burnham and Greater Manchester. Removing the 9.30am restriction will make a real difference to people’s day-to-day lives, and Andy deserves credit for delivering on a commitment he made when he came to the Whizz Kidz event I hosted in Parliament. 

But it also shows up the gap elsewhere. As other mayors move ahead, disabled people in York and North Yorkshire are still restricted on when they can travel. That simply isn’t fair.” 

Mr Gordon has been campaigning for over a year to remove restrictions on disabled bus passes and says the current system leaves disabled people facing a postcode lottery. 

“Disabled people shouldn’t have fewer rights because of where they live. I’m writing again to the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, asking him to match the progress we’re seeing in places like Greater Manchester. 

But local leaders can’t fix this on their own. National government needs to fund this properly and end the postcode lottery.” 

Tom Gordon MP said disabled and older people across England should have the same access to public transport, no matter where they live.