Member

There are around 870,000 disabled bus pass holders in England, making up about 10% of all concessionary users. Although the DFT 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. The DFT has a responsibility to improve accessibility. It cannot keep kicking the can to local or transport authorities, claiming it is up to them to make discretionary changes. Just as the Department can enforce the restriction, so it can remove it. It is time to stop passing the buck.