Disabled bus pass holders to benefit from free anytime bus travel on Wakefield services
People with disabilities will now be able to travel on Wakefield buses for free at any time of day.
Disabled and disabled companion bus pass holders will no longer have to pay for services before 9.30am on weekdays.
Travel is already free after 9.30am, and on weekends and bank holidays, but the change aims to connect more people to jobs, training and opportunities and help to reduce social isolation.
The scheme upgrade was made by Mayor Tracy Brabin and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and its impact will be tested in the coming months ahead of a region-wide roll-out next year.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Having a disability should not limit your access to work.
“This change will lift barriers to opportunity and help grow our economy by better-connecting people to jobs and training.
“It all ties into my plan for an easy to use, inclusive and affordable Weaver Network – helping to unlock our region’s potential.”
The changes to the disabled pass scheme apply to any bus service journeys which start in the Wakefield district.
Coun Keith Anderson, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Planning, said: "Improved access to better bus services is something passengers across our district expect and deserve.
"It’s often far too hard for people to access training, job opportunities, and to live the independent lives that they want to.
“We welcome this step to make our local transport network more accessible. And we’ll be making a strong case to the Mayor of West Yorkshire for more improvements to public transport in our district.”
The full list of services covered can be found at www.wyweaver.com.