Campaigners and charities urge Hampshire County Council to halt cuts to bus passes

Campaigners and charities are urging Hampshire County Council to halt cuts to bus passes for disabled and older people, writes Local Democracy Reporter Natalia Forero.

Community campaigners, disability rights groups, and local charities have come together to oppose planned cuts to Hampshire County Council’s concessionary travel scheme.

The decision, taken by cabinet on October 14, intended to remove all enhancements to the scheme in Hampshire due to the council’s financial position and the forecasted budget gap.

The concessionary travel scheme allows free or discounted travel on public transport for people with disabilities and those of pensionable age.

In Hampshire, it also includes free travel at all times for holders of Hampshire disabled persons bus passes on journeys commencing in Hampshire to destinations in England, as well as the pass for companions of disabled pass holders.

It also included free travel before 9.30am on infrequent services where there is a departure between 9am and 9.29am and then no further journey until 10.31am or later.

However, the proposal, approved in a confidential meeting on November 19, will remove all those enhancements from April 1.

The provisional overall concessionary travel budget for 2025/26, subject to the full council, is £12.5m.

Removing all enhancements to the statutory scheme is estimated to reduce reimbursement payments to Hampshire bus operators by approximately £75,000 per annum.

Campaigners plan to deliver the petition to Hampshire County Council ahead of a full council meeting today (February 13).