Disabled gays welcome bus concessions

By Marc Shoffman • November 15, 2006 - 0:00

These old style buses were a peril for disabled people

1 Comment on Disabled gays welcome bus concessions

PinkNews.co.uk Exclusive

A group representing gay and disabled people has welcomed a commitment to free bus travel for elderly and disabled communities, but warns that more needs to be done.

Elderly and disabled people will be able to take advantage of the Concessionary Bus Travel Bill which will provide free travel in England at off-peak times from April 2008.

The bill, unveiled in a speech by the Queen at the state opening of Parliament today, was welcomed by Karen Shook, co-chair of gay disabled group Regard.

She told PinkNews.co.uk: "It's very good news, but there still has to be a lot done to improve access on buses."

Ms Shook said the transport system still has problems and highlighted coach travel as one area of concern.

The current law provides concessions for disabled people and those over 60 only inside local authorities.

The bill will also signal plans to extend the scheme throughout the UK.

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