Disabled passengers on Wokingham buses may soon have more freedom over when they can travel.
Time restrictions could be removed from disabled bus passes under new Wokingham Borough Council plans.
Currently, those with a disability bus pass can only ride for free between 9am and 11pm, which residents say creates a barrier to employment.
Disabled working-age adults in Wokingham told the council during a consultation that employers often would like them to arrive at work before 9:30am – leading the authority to consider whether to scrap timings altogether.
An executive report for the meeting of council leaders on Thursday, September 26, says that by removing all time restrictions, residents can seek Christmas employment opportunities. This is important given job chances are ‘usually greatest in the months leading up to Christmas’.
It would improve overall access to employment, health, leisure and retail opportunities, the report argues.
As well as disabled passes, the rule change would also be applied to ‘disabled plus companion’ passes. These can be used for those travelling who require assistance from a family member, or carer.
The cost to the council has been predicted between £5,000 and £35,000, with a current forecast of £15,000.
But the report warns that the cost of the scheme ‘may be higher than anticipated’ if more residents apply for a disability pass, or travel more frequently, because of the scheme.
If approved by council leaders, the changes will come into effect on December 1. Communication would take place throughout the months of October and November.
There are currently just over 2,000 disability passes in circulation, which are used for around 343,000 bus trips per year in the Borough. These cost a total £584,500 for the council.
Wokingham Borough Council offers free travel to medical appointments on community transport, or volunteer services.
Free travel is also available on Park and Ride services, including the recently reopened Park and Ride from Winnersh Triangle into Reading town centre.
Expanding the hours would bring rules in line with those in place in neighbouring towns, Bracknell and Reading.
Bracknell Forest Council offers a disabled pass which can be used at any time when boarding at a bus stop within the borough.
Similarly, Reading Borough Council has no time restrictions within the borough or on the Readibus community transport service.
Executive members have been recommended to approve the changes.
