A needless rule with real consequences

Imagine having a hospital appointment at 9:15am and being told your concessionary bus pass doesn’t cover the trip until 9:30. Pay the fare or miss the appointment, that’s the choice too many disabled people face every day.

On 10 September 2025 Parliament debated a proposal to remove the 9:30am restriction on the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme so disabled bus passes would be valid all day. The amendment (New Clause 2), moved by Tom Gordon MP, was defeated in the House of Commons. See the debate and official record:

• Parliamentary debate — Hansard (10 Sept 2025)
• Division record (official vote)– House divided: Ayes 69 · Noes 300.
• TheyWorkForYou – New Clause 2 (context & votes)

What we’ll do next

The national result is a disappointment, but we will continue at local level. Difference North East will:

• Collect local stories to evidence the everyday impact.
• Press local transport authorities and regional leaders to adopt all-day pass policies.
• Work with partners and MPs to keep the issue on the agenda.

Key moments from the debate

Further reading & related work

Recommendations and ideas from the Sustrans Transforming Mobility report (July 2025): A recent report from Sustrans and Transport for All developed five “big ideas” to better include and involve disabled people in transport planning. See our summary: 5 Big Ideas to Make Transport Accessible for Disabled People – Difference North East.

Read Difference North Easts responseto the North East Mayoral Combined Authority’s Transport Plan, 2024.

Difference North East recently took part in a Teesside active travel consultation. See our recommendations here: TVCA active travel proposals – Difference NE response (PDF).

Will you stand with us?

Add your voice — whether you are directly affected or an ally, every story helps us make the case locally and regionally.

Prefer plain text updates? Email hello@differencenortheast.org.uk.