More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A "restrictive" time limit on disabled bus passes could be lifted.
The current pass only starts at 9.30am, a time that Kent charities and people suffering from disabilities have said is not early enough for those who have morning hospital appointments or need to get to work.
Kent's disabled bus passes branded 'unfair'
Demi Price works for East Kent Mencap, a charity that provides opportunities for adults and children with disabilities.
She said: "So many of our members have had problems with not being able to get to appointments, or not being able to volunteer.
"We all crave and want that independence and that freedom, and our members are more than aware that they are being restricted of that. These are adults that are now facing a curfew."
Passing a motion tabled by Cllr Ian Chittenden, Kent County Council agreed in principal to allow disabled passengers and their companions to use the bus at any time.
Cllr Chittenden said: "These passengers have great difficulties getting work, and once they do get work they need very often to get their early and at present, the costs of getting there on the bus service is pretty high."
Speaking to KMTV, many members of East Kent Mencap revealed that they had been turned away from a bus for being too early, and many have had problems getting to morning appointments, the job centre or college.
David Benson said: "I think it is very restrictive and it's not very fair on people, to be honest. I don't have the money to pay for the early bus fair."
Paul Wood spoke of his ordeal: "I have been told to get off the bus when it's too early, and even if it rains. It's not fair that it finishes at 11 o'clock on weekdays either."
If the motion is signed off it will not come into action until April 2020, in order to fit into KCC's next budget.
KCC cabinet member for planning, highways, transport and waste Mike Whiting, said: "The county council has asked that we look carefully at how we might extend the hours during which disabled travel pass holders and their companions can use their passes, over and above the requirements of government legislation.
"Clearly, there will be a budget implication, so any proposed change will need to go through the usual budgeting process and gain the agreement of full council next year if it is to go ahead. This point was clarified by officers at the meeting.
"Meanwhile, I have asked that discussions with the bus companies commence to understand the cost, which is estimated at some £500,000 per annum.
"KCC’s companion pass scheme is discretionary and more generous than most other authorities in England.
"It is in addition to government requirements and through it, KCC gives extra support to around 8,000 of the total county’s 23,000 disabled pass holders in the county."
