Disabled Metro passengers to get unlimited travel after Burnham’s free bus pledge
From April, travel restrictions for disabled passengers will be lifted on North East buses and the Tyne and Wear Metro.
On Tuesday, August 18, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that disabled people would be given access to free bus travel 24/7 to ease the cost of living.
Currently, the concessionary travel pass allows disabled people to travel free of charge on buses between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
From April 1, 2027 however, people who hold a disabled bus pass will be able to travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day.
North East Mayor Kim McGuiness has extended this to include the Tyne and Wear Metro and Shields Ferry for customers with a Gold Card.
Taking to social media, Mrs McGuiness said: “From April, disabled passengers will be able to travel for free all day, every day, right across our transport network – from the buses, to the Metro to the ferry.
“The government announced we’re doing this on the buses, which is absolutely brilliant, but in the North East, we’re going one better and opening our whole transport network.
“This is a simple step that will make transport more accessible for more people – opening up opportunities – whether that’s work, school or college, whether that’s seeing friends or family or just going out to socialise.
“We want everybody to be able to get around our region.”
Mr Burnham said: “Buses are a lifeline for so many people, making it easier to get to work, education and healthcare.
"It’s simply not right that many disabled people cannot travel using their pass during certain times of the day – so we’re fixing that.
"Disabled people will now have unlimited free bus travel 24/7.
“I did it before in Greater Manchester and I’m proud to do it now for the whole country."
Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “We are making this change because we’ve listened to disabled people and we know the importance of buses to local communities.
"These passes are a lifeline for so many, helping them stay connected and get to work and appointments, and it’s only right they receive the same treatment, no matter their postcode.”