As part of Catch the Bus Week, Simon Kirby, the Member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has called on Brighton and Hove City Council to reform their policy towards companion bus pass subsidies.
At present, East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council both allow care companions subsidised travel on bus journeys in their areas, when they travel with people who are disabled. However, this is not the situation in Brighton and Hove. Companions using buses either within the City, or travelling out of the City to other parts of Sussex, are currently required to pay.
Simon said: “I have been contacted by constituents who informed me that the City Council’s current approach of providing taxi vouchers is unsatisfactory, making it difficult for them to accompany their disabled companion.”
In response to the concerns of constituents, the Kemptown and Peacehaven MP is calling on Brighton and Hove City Council to allow companions to receive subsidised travel on bus journeys in Brighton and Hove.
Simon added: “Brighton and Hove City Council should follow the lead of neighbouring Council’s by providing companions with subsidised travel. I am sure this would be warmly received by disabled bus users and their companions.
“Having received many representations from constituents who are affected by this, and as it is currently Catch the Bus Week, I have decided to take action.
“Bus travel within the city is especially important for those with disabilities, particularly in helping them maintain their independence, and I believe that their companions should no longer feel unfairly disadvantaged.”
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