MP wants pass changes reversed

An MP has called on Hampshire County Council (HCC) to reverse reductions in the scope of bus passes for people with disabilities.

Liz Jarvis, MP for Eastleigh, has written to the authority following a meeting in which she heard how visually impaired passengers have been struggling.

The changes, which came into effect in April, have removed the companion entitlement and restricted free travel to between 09 30 and 23 00 (9.30 a.m. and 11 p.m.) on weekdays.

A spokesperson for HCC said financial challenges meant it had to focus on providing core services, which ‘has led to difficult decisions about what we can continue to afford in the future’.