Labour denies disabled access to peak-time bus travel

12 September 2025

Leeds Labour MPs have voted to deny disabled people access to peak-time buses.

Disabled people face unfair and additional barriers in society, including disproportionately higher living costs and limited transport options. Many rely on public transport for access to healthcare, work and education.

In England eligible bus-pass holders are entitled to free local bus travel. However, in many places, including West Yorkshire, free travel is not permitted before 9.30am. Removing the peak-time restriction would promote fairness, independence and equal access to public transport.

A Leeds parent commented: “My daughter has a disabled bus pass, but if she needs to travel before 9.30am, we’re expected to pay — often through an app she can’t see or use. For people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, dementia, or communication challenges, that’s not just inconvenient — it’s exclusion. Disabled and elderly people exist before 9.30am. They have places to be, responsibilities to meet, and lives to live. This isn’t about perks. It’s about basic dignity.”

Ahead of The Buses Bill debate in Westminster this week Tom Gordon MP (Lib Dem, Harrogate & Knaresborough) submitted a petition and tabled an amendment calling on the government to remove the peak hours restriction. The petition was backed by several campaign groups, including Disability Action Yorkshire and the Royal National Institue of Blind People (RNIB).

Presenting his petition in the House of Commons Mr Gordon stated: “I believe, as many of the petition signers believe, that people with disabilities have to live with those disabilities 24/7, and they don't recognise the bounds of these arbitrary time limits.”

Sadly the Lib Dem amendment was unsuccessful, with almost 300 Labour MPs voting against, including Leeds MPs Rachel Reeves, Katie White, Fabian Hamilton and Richard Burgon, and Wakefield & Rothwell MP Simon Lightwood. Only two Conservative MPs supported the amendment.

Following the vote Tom Gordon commented: "This outdated rule limits independence, undermines fairness, and places unnecessary pressure on those already facing huge challenges. It should have been an easy win for equality and accessibility – but once again, Westminster let people down.

I’m incredibly grateful for the support of campaigners, charities, and the 68 MPs who stood with me. And I want to be clear: this campaign doesn’t end here. I will keep fighting until disabled people have the fair, accessible transport they rightfully deserve."