MPs vote against lifting restrictions on bus travel before 9.30

The proposal to the Bus Services (No.2) Bill by MP Tom Gordon (Liberal Democrats) to remove the 2300-0930hrs exception to free travel for Disabled people was thrown out by 300 votes to 69 during a debate late last week.

This is a vote which reduces the freedom of Disabled people to travel before 9.30 in the morning, in a scheme intended to promote disability inclusion. Instead, it makes it unaffordable to travel, when many Disabled people need to.

Disabled bus pass holders in England, make up about 10% of all concessionary users, and although the DfT (Department for Transport) say that some local authorities offer some form of free travel before 9.30 am, only a third provide unrestricted, 24/7 access.

This means that for Disabled people, who are in low paid employment and or receiving social security, commuting to work, attending education or attending early health appointments, is unaffordable.

Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, responding to the amendment, pointed out local authorities’ powers to offer additional concessions and added: “I would also note that a review of the ENCTS (English National Concessionary Travel Scheme) was conducted under the previous Government in 2024, including consideration of travel times, and we are currently reviewing this for next steps.’

Disability Rights UK in collaboration with BusUsers UK has been campaigning for the time restrictions on free bus travel for disabled people to be lifted.

Lydia Horbury, BusUsers UK charity’s Director for England, says: “The decision to retain the 0930hrs restriction on disabled people’s concessionary passes is deeply disappointing. The ENCTS has transformed lives, but this arbitrary cut-off continues to create a postcode lottery where access depends on where you live.

Stephen Brookes of Disability Rights UK said ‘This decision is very hard to stomach and comes at a time when disabled people feel under attack by various unsympathetic government policies and ‘U Turns’ 

He continued by saying ‘At a time when government policy is aimed at getting Disabled people into work an incentive would be to allow us to travel at the times, we most need.’

‘DR UK condemns the ‘post code lottery’ and applauds those local authorities that understand the needs of Disabled people and support unrestricted travel. There should be consistency and equality across the country, and lifting the 0930hrs restriction would be a great step to forwarding disability equality.’