MPs voted against removing time restrictions on disabled bus pass travel as the Bus Services (No.2) Bill received its third and final reading in the House of Commons.
The proposal from Tom Gordon (Liberal Democrats) to remove the 2300-0930hrs exception on free travel for disabled people was thrown out by 300 votes to 69 during yesterday’s debate.
Mr Gordon, campaigning in the House, said: “The facts are simple: disabilities do not disappear at peak times.
“Why, then, are our policies based on arbitrary timeframes? To design a scheme intended to promote accessibility, only to limit it when most people need it, undermines the very purpose of the policy…
“There are around 870,000 disabled bus pass holders in England, making up about 10% of all concessionary users. Although the DfT (Department for Transport) points out that most local authorities offer some form of free travel before 9.30 am, only a third provide unrestricted, 24/7 access. For many, that means that commuting to work, attending education or making early medical appointments is either unaffordable or impossible. ”
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, addressing 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.”
Answering a written question in March, Mr Lightwood said any changes to ENCTS would need to be “carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability”.
Bus Users UK has been among the groups campaigning for the time restrictions on free bus travel for disabled people to be relaxed.
Lydia Horbury, the charity’s Direct 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.
“It’s hard to justify why we have a national cap on bus fares, but no national mandate to allow disabled people to travel at the times they most need. This is about fairness. Disabled people should be able to reach work, education, healthcare and their communities on the same terms as everyone else.
“A truly national scheme should deliver consistency and equality across the country – lifting the 0930hrs restriction would be a vital step towards that goal.”
MPs also voted against an amendment to allow local transport authorities to prohibit through byelaws disruptive anti-social forms of noise such as from mobile phones on buses.
A proposal to restore the bus fare cap in England to £2 within 12 months of the passing of the Bill into law was not put to vote.
The passing of the Bill, which includes legislation to give local transport authorities the power to franchise bus services, has now reached its final stages. A return to the House of Lords for consideration is scheduled for 13 October.
