Peak-hour Bus Passes for the Disabled

Peak-hour Bus Passes for the Disabled

Started
20 September 2021
Signatures: 100,380Next Goal: 150,000
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Why this petition matters

Started by Chloe West

Hi, I am creating this petition as someone who relies on buses every day to get to and from work. Last February I was diagnosed with Epilepsy and unfortunately, like many other epileptics, I still have frequent seizures, meaning I cannot return to driving unless I have been a year seizure-free. Many epileptics never have a hope of driving again. I was happy to find out I was eligible for a Disabled persons bus pass as I believed it would save me a lot of money in the meantime - but quickly found out the pass is only valid between 9.30 am - 11 pm. Most to all jobs usually begin at around 8/9 am and for me, I get on the bus before 8 am to be on time. In the past year and a half, I have spent over £1,600 on just these morning buses.

Although I am extremely grateful to be able to use the bus and get home with no charge - I can’t imagine the number of people who also deal with disabilities that would much rather drive if they could and avoid spending all this extra money on getting to work in peak hours. 

Over 1 in 5 people in the UK are disabled. In July 2021, Gov UK released a segment titled ‘Jobs/Transport: National Disability Strategy explained’, which outlined the ways in which they wanted the world of work more inclusive & accessible and improving the accessibility and experience of everyday journeys. Essentially encouraging those who still are able & want to work with disabilities - but what’s the point of offering bus passes that aren’t even valid to save any money?

I applied for my bus pass through Gloucestershire County Council & believe they are able to make this change so that the passes are available during peak hours and not just 9.30 am onwards. 

Please sign, as it would benefit many people :)

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Signatures: 100,380Next Goal: 150,000
Support now
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