Thousands back call for free disabled bus passes

AYOUNGSTER’S petition calling for free peak-hour bus passes for disabled people has gained more than 75,000 signatures.

Chloe West, 23, set up the petition after spending more than £1,600 on morning buses to get to work.

Chloe, from Brookthorpe in Gloucestershire, was diagnosed with epilepsy last year and is unable to drive due to frequent seizures.

Gloucestershire County Council said it would consider the petition once it was formally submitted.

Disabled people and those who cannot drive for medical reasons are eligible for a free bus pass between 9.30am and 11pm.

But Chloe, a creative assistant and shift supervisor at a gift company, said that in order to get to work on time she had to leave the house before 8am – rendering the disabled pass redundant.

Chloe said: “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 person’s 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 9.30am and 11pm.

“Most jobs usually begin at around 8am to 9am and, for me, I get on the bus before 8am to be on time.

“In the past year and a half, I have spent over £1,600 on just these morning buses.”

Chloe added that making public transport free for disabled people would help encourage disabled people to work.

“It frustrates me more for people who are struggling more with their disability,” she told the BBC.

“I can imagine it’s really frustrating for wheelchair users, the deaf and blind.”

A spokesperson for the council thanked Chloe for highlighting the issue and added that when the petition was submitted to them they would take it forward to council to be discussed and a decision made.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Access to local buses is particularly important for disabled and elderly people, which is why we invest £1bn every year to guarantee them free off-peak travel.

“Local authorities have the power extend the concession to peak hours, with three-quarters already doing so.”

> A petition started by Chloe West has 75,000 signatures