Reading’s Labour MPs vote down Lib Dem attempt to expand free bus travel for disabled people in Reading

Labour MPs for Reading, Matt Rodda, Olivia Bailey and Yuan Yang voted against a Liberal Democrat amendment which would have expanded free bus travel for disabled people.

Reading Liberal Democrats say that our local Labour MPs have “failed disabled people” by making it harder for them to get fair and accessible transport. Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon’s amendment on the 11th September, which had wide cross-party support, would have removed all time restrictions on the use of bus passes for disabled people. 

Reading Lib Dems say that Labour has “simply turned their back” on disabled people by voting against the amendment. The Liberal Democrats have also called on the Government to reverse their ‘bus tax’ by bringing the bus fare cap back down to £2 from £3.

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, Councillor James Moore, said:

“The Labour Party has failed disabled people in our community. 

“Instead of giving people in often difficult circumstances the opportunity to access the transport they need, Labour has turned its back on them.

“The Government keeps saying they want to help get more disabled people into work, but then won’t even help them get the public transport they need.

“By voting against giving greater access to transport for disabled people, this Labour government is failing to deliver the change people are crying out for.”