Harrogate MP steps up Parliamentary campaign backed by Andy Burnham over free bus passes
Harrogate’s MP has spoken up in the House of Commons against what he says is the “outdated and unfair rule” on disabled bus passes.
Tom Gordon renewed his campaign to scrap the early morning restriction on disabled bus passes during a parliamentary debate on free bus travel.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough used the debate to highlight his campaign, stressing that the current rule for bus passes undermined independence and creates barriers to work, education, and healthcare.
He also highlighted that while Greater Manchester, under Mayor Andy Burnham, has trialled lifting the restriction, such progress was only possible if funded.
"The 9.30am restriction creates unnecessary barriers for disabled people, making every day journeys harder and more expensive than they need to be,” said Mr Gordon.
"It is an outdated and unfair rule that must go
"It’s encouraging to see Andy Burnham moving to lift these restrictions in Manchester but progress like this is only possible where funding exists.
"What we need is a national funding plan so every disabled person can travel freely."
Harrogate’s MP argued that lifting the restriction would be a simple, affordable change that may save public services money in the long run.
Tom Gordon’s intervention follows his recent cross-party event in Parliament with charities Whizz Kidz, Bus Users UK, and Transport for All, backed by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
The MP said: “I will keep pushing until disabled people have the freedom, dignity, and independence to travel when they need to.”