Petition over bus pass cuts

Campaigners in Hampshire are to hand in a petition over a county council’s decision to reduce the scope of bus passes for people with disabilities.

Currently, Hampshire County Council (HCC) permits free travel, at any time of day, for pass holders and helpers; this, however, is set to change.

Last year, HCC decided to reduce the concessionary travel scheme to the legal minimum from April 2025, allowing free travel between 09 30 (9.30 a.m.) and 23 00 (11 p.m.) on weekdays and all day at weekends only.

Campaign group Waterside Changemakers said the enhanced scheme was a ‘lifeline’, but HCC said it needed the £75,000 savings.