Huge Win for Disabled Community as Time Restrictions on Bus Passes Set to Be Scrapped

​Disabled people in East Riding and across England will soon be able to travel by bus for free at any time of the day, following a major announcement from the government.  
Tom Gordon MP (Lib Dem) and Jackie Snape, Chief Executive of Disability Action Yorkshire.

​The decision marks a massive victory for campaigners, concluding a nearly two-year parliamentary battle led by Yorkshire Liberal Democrat MP, Tom Gordon. Previously, disabled bus pass holders faced strict weekday limitations, being unable to use their passes freely during peak morning hours, which created heavy barriers for those trying to commute to work, education, or early appointments.  

​Reflecting on the milestone, Tom Gordon MP shared his excitement:
​"After nearly two years campaigning on this in Parliament - handing in a petition, grilling ministers at the despatch box, speaking in debates, tabling my amendment to the Bus Bill and forcing it to a vote, meeting with the Bus Minister - we’ve done it. The Gov have announced they are backing my campaign to scrap time restrictions on disabled bus passes!"
​Emphasising the core philosophy behind the movement, Mr Gordon added:
​"Disabilities don’t start at 9am, neither should disabled bus passes - and soon, they won’t!"
  
​He also expressed gratitude to the wider coalition behind the effort, stating:
​"Thank you to every charity, organisation, MP, councillor and campaigner across the country who helped deliver this change. It belongs to you."

​The announcement has drawn widespread praise from advocacy groups and local representatives alike. Jackie Snape, Chief Executive of Disability Action Yorkshire, welcomed the news:
​"We are absolutely delighted to hear that the time restrictions on bus passes for disabled people are to be removed. This will make such a difference to disabled people needing to use public transport for work, education appointments - and getting on with life in general."
  
​Snape further commended the driving force behind the policy shift, adding:
​"We are indebted to Tom Gordon MP who has fought to have this changed with such compassion and tenacity since hearing first hand from local disabled people how this has adversely affected their lives. What an amazing result!"
  
​Local representatives from the East Riding Liberal Democrats have also welcomed the national policy shift while emphasising the ongoing need to address regional connectivity. 
"This is a welcome and important step towards fairer public transport for disabled people. Removing these outdated time restrictions will give residents greater freedom to travel when they need to. But the campaign cannot stop here,  more needs to be done to break down the barriers to public transport in rural areas such as East Yorkshire,” said Cllr Phil Redshaw, East Riding Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson.

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