20/3/2008

Local News

Call for bus pass rethink

A NEW bus scheme has been criticised for discriminating against disabled people.
When a revised bus pass scheme comes into effect at the end of March, disabled people and over-60s will be able to access all buses for free.
However, some councils, including Surrey Heath Council, have decided to offer this scheme only after 9.30am.
Other areas, such as Rushmoor, are offering the free travel earlier – at 9am.
The scheme has changed from one introduced two years ago which allowed disabled people to travel free at any time.
Brian Manby, a semi-retired businessman from Camberley, has hit out at the new plans, saying they could be preventing disabled people from going to work.
Mr Manby, who is registered blind and uses Camberley buses on a regular basis, said: “I personally think this is a case of discrimination. Whether it’s intentional or not, I don’t know, but it would be gracious for the council to take one step back and reconsider.”
The bus pass scheme is a national scheme which will see holders of the new pass able to travel to other local authority areas, giving them greater freedom than at present.
David Whitcroft, Surrey Heath’s Lib-Dem leader said: “This might not be too much of a problem for retired people – although there could be implications for early morning doctor or hospital appointments – but for disabled people who work, this could create considerable problems and incur increased expenditure.”
He added: “This change to the timings of the scheme with regard to disabled people creates the possibility that disabled people currently unemployed and on benefits may now be dissuaded from accepting work,” said Coun Whitcroft.
 “On a relatively short trip, for example, from the Old Dean estate in Camberley to Frimley we estimate a disabled worker will be paying £14 per week extra under the new arrangements. These extra costs incurred in travel may just make the difference between somebody taking a job or not.
 “The decision by the Surrey Local Authorities - including Surrey Heath - seems to be a clear example of penny pinching made without taking into account the full impact of the implications on people who have a difficult enough time as it is.”
Coun Whitcroft called on the Surrey authorities to review the decision.
He said: “Even at this late stage, it should be possible to change the rules for people who are able to produce proof of their disability, as with the current scheme.

First printed in: Surrey Hants Star