Calls for bus passes to be accepted at all times

Hundreds are calling for free travel for bus pass holders during peak times

A petition calling for bus pass holders to be allowed free travel before 09:30 GMT has gathered almost 1,500 signatures.

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Jonathan Gullis is calling on the city council and bus companies to make the change so pass holders can get to medical appointments or work without paying to travel.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said it was not responsible for setting the timings for concessionary fares.

However, a government website suggests local authorities are able to do so at their discretion.

Mr Gullis raised the issue at Prime Ministers Questions in November and said he had the backing of hundreds of his constituents as well as the prime minister.

Rishi Sunak told him: “We have capped the cost of travelling on buses to £2 until the end of 2024 as a result of our decision on HS2 and also support councils with a billion pounds of funding.

“I would urge all councils to ensure people see the benefits of that investment and wholeheartedly back his campaign.”

Last year, the government unveiled a £30m investment to improve bus services in the city.

The national bus concession scheme in England currently covers travel at any time on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday, and from 9.30am to 11pm on any other day.

Bus passenger Lester Fern said people were relying on lifts from family and friends due to the charges.

“We’ve paid our dues all these years, and we’ve used the bus time and time again," he said.

“This is just one little area where they can give something back for all the years of service we’ve given them."

'Strength of feeling'

Another, David Taylor, said: “I work in Tunstall. To go from Goldenhill to Tunstall would be an advantage for me first thing in the morning.

“What’s the point of having a pass if you can’t use it - irrespective of time?"

City council cabinet member Chris Robinson said it was an issue for national government to resolve.

"The city council does not set the timings for the use of concessionary passes for bus travel, this is set nationally," he added.

But Mr Gullis denied this was the case. “This is an issue that is raised with me time and again during street surgeries, in community meetings and via email by constituents.

“This strength of feeling has been confirmed with the high number of people adding their name [to the petition].

“Local authorities have the power to make this change and I will be using every name signed to push for this.”