We’re pleased to share an important step forward in our campaign for fair travel. Following our calls for change, Mary Kelly Foy’s office has confirmed full support for every action we’ve asked for. She will be following up on these steps, and we’ll be sharing more soon as this develops. We’ve also received a constructive response from The North East Combined Authority Mayor Kim McGuinness. We are awaiting a response from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and hope Mayor Houchen will consider this as part of the region’s wider approach to fair and accessible transport...

This progress comes on the back of a growing campaign. Recently, the Minister for Disabled People responded to our concerns, highlighting that local authorities and Mayors can take action to ensure disabled people aren’t left isolated. That matters, because at present 78% of local authorities in England provide no travel support at all. We’ve called on the North East Mayors and Durham County Council to take responsibility and step in.

Mary Kelly Foye MP for City of Durham

“I welcome Difference North East’s work to remove all time restrictions on the disabled person’s bus pass, so disabled people in Durham, and across the region, can travel when they need to. It’s a simple, fair change that would make everyday life easier, and they have my full support.” - Mary Kelly Foye MP

NECA Mayor Kim McGuiness

Mayor McGuinness recognises the unfair postcode lottery across the North East and the barriers this creates for disabled people and has confirmed that our proposal to lift the restrictions will be considered as part of wider discussions on transport reform and funding, especially as the region moves towards bringing buses back into public control. We look forward to continuing the conversation. - Mayor McGuinness 0ffice.

Delta’s Story from County Durham

At the heart of this campaign are the lived experiences of disabled people. Delta, a member from County Durham, explained:

“The buses just don’t run when I need them. Taxis are so expensive that sometimes I can’t afford to go out at all. It leaves me feeling trapped — cut off from work, from appointments, from friends. I want the same independence everyone else has.”

Her words underline why Durham County Council, in particular, needs to act so disabled people aren’t left behind.

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Take Action

• Join us as a member and add your voice to the campaign.
• Become an ally and stand alongside disabled people in the North East.
• Share your own travel experience, just as Delta did, to help show decision-makers the reality on the ground.

Together, we’re stronger. With the support of MPs, allies, and members, we can make fair travel a reality for disabled people across our region.

Read More

Catch up on our earlier campaign updates:

• Too Late to Be Fair: The Simple Question of All-Day Bus Access
• Minister Responds: The Fight for All-Day Bus Access Continues