Call to relax time limits on disability bus passes

Waterside Changemakers want time restrictions on using disability bus passes relaxed

A campaign group is calling for time limits imposed by some councils on bus passes issued to disabled people to be relaxed.

Kent County Council said it follows national guidelines by allowing the passes to be used after 09:30, while Medway Council said it allows them to be used for an extra 30 minutes, from 09:00.

Waterside Changemakers has described the system as a "postcode lottery", with different local authorities implementing different rules about when the passes can be used.

The Department for Transport said it is up to local authorities to decide if the passes can be used before 09:30 or after 23:00 on weekdays.

Waterside Changemakers said the restrictions affect 28,000 people across Kent and Medway and claims only 29 out of the 82 English authorities which issue bus passes allow disabled holders to use them at all times of day.

"These restrictions make it harder and more costly for disabled people, many of whom cannot drive, to get to work and access healthcare and education opportunities" said Waterside Changemakers.

Medway Council allows the passes to be used from 09:00, 30 minutes before KCC's passes become valid

A spokesperson for KCC said: "As the scheme is not funded by national Government, but through Kent's council tax and business rates, KCC is currently unable to fund additional features beyond the minimum national entitlement."

A Medway Council spokesperson said: "As part of our commitment to provide free public transport in Medway, we offer concessionary travel from the earlier time of 9am during the week until the last scheduled bus service of the day."

The Department for Transport said it is up to local authorities to decide whether to extend the hours the passes are valid

A Department fof Transport spokesperson said: "Bus passes are vital to many, providing access to job opportunities, essential services, and keeping people connected.

"Local authorities have the power to extend the times when disabled passholders can use their bus passes, and more than three quarters of authorities across England offer free travel before 9.30."