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Petition Tag - bus pass
1. Fair funding for concessionary fares 
Many councils in England are struggling to fund the national concessionary fares scheme, which allows eligible older and disabled people to travel free on buses.
Central government has passed the funding of the scheme to local authorities, but in many cases with large shortfalls in what it actually costs to run it.
Rural English shire counties are suffering the most, with their funding from the government to run the scheme reduced by over £60 million.
In Norfolk alone, the funding shortfall this year compared to last amounts to £4.5m.
A similar story applies across the country, in counties East, West, North and South.
The concessionary fares scheme is a very positive one. All councils support the principles behind it and recognise the value it offers pass holders.
But the present funding shortfall is resulting in them having to cut public transport budgets elsewhere to meet the gap meaning other transport users are suffering.
If you think it is only fair the government thinks again and provides adequate funding – sign our petition now.
2. Free Bus Passes For Disabled People Any Time, Any Day
We are Bradford People First a self advocacy group, run by and for people with a Learning disability.
• We are running a campaign to enable people with learning disabilities and disabilities to travel on buses before 9.30am Monday to Friday using our concessionary bus passes.
• We are unable to use our bus passes before this time so we are limited to the time we start work , attend college, do voluntary work , get to medical appointments etc
• We feel that we are discriminated against, treated unfairly and often humiliated being asked to get off the bus.
• We are unable to afford to pay full fare as many of us are on benefits and often travel with carers, who we also would have to pay full fare for.
• Like many other people with a learning disability we are dependent on public transport as we cannot drive.
• Other councils across the U.K. have implemented a scheme which enables people with disabilities to travel for free at any time e.g. Reigate and Banstead, Luton, Greater Manchester and Suffolk.
• We would also like to point out that people who are visually impaired are allowed to use their bus passes at any time within West Yorkshire and I would like this to be available to all people with a disability.
• We have been writing to M.P’s and the Government to highlight our campaign.
The Metro have told us that they 'have the discretion to make the cut off time earlier or to fund free travel all the time', but due to the extra expense they are not currently willing to change the scheme- Dave Pearson West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive 17/07/09.
THE WHEELS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND, ONLY AFTER HALF PAST 9- FOR SOME!!!
