Clive Jones MP has welcomed the government’s decision to scrap time restrictions on disabled people’s bus passes nationally, a change Lib Dem run Wokingham borough council made almost two years ago, in December 2024.
The government has now adopted the Lib Dem policy after an almost two-year campaign led by Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon, with the prime minister thanking him for his work in securing the change.
The restrictions meant that people could not travel for free before either 9am or 9:30am on weekdays, a rule that has made it harder to get to work, to college, to hospital appointments and to drop children at school.
Under the change, passes will be valid at any time of day.
The announcement drew cross-party recognition. Prime minister Andy Burnham, who adopted the policy in Greater Manchester after attending a parliamentary reception hosted by Mr Gordon, posted: “It has been good to work with you on this, Tom.”
Jones, the Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham, voted for the change alongside Tom Gordon in September 2025 and has campaigned for it locally.
He said: “Liberal Democrats in Wokingham led the way on this change, implementing this nearly two years ago.
“Disabilities don’t start at 9 o’clock. Our change in Wokingham helped people get to work, education and health appointments.
“I am proud Liberal Democrats in Wokingham were trailblazers on this issue.”
