DPAC, RTUC and principled Labour Party activists fight for Disabled Bus Rights

RTUC, DPAC and principled Labour Party members
outside the Reading Civic Offices

On 29 October 2018, just as the Reading Borough Council (RBC) Policy Committee was sitting down to meet, Berkshire Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), Reading Trades Union Council (RTUC) and principled Labour Party activists gathered outside the Civic Offices, banners aloft, for another in their series of protests against RBC proposals to limit disabled people’s access to free bus travel.

Following a consultation from May to July on imposing charges for disabled people’s bus travel before 09:30 and after 23:00 Monday to Friday, stripping disabled people’s helpers/carers of their Companion Passes altogether and imposing charges for the dial-a-ride Readibus service, RBC have deferred a decision on Access Pass, Companion Pass and Readibus reforms on several occasions. At the Policy Committee meeting, however, Deputy Leader of RBC, Cllr Tony Page, answered a question on the subject from Cllr Rachel Eden, Chair of the Access and Disability Group.

In his answer Cllr Page announced the retention of Companion Passes for disabled people’s helpers/carers – the consultation was overwhelming in support of this concession. However, he declared that all other aspects of the proposed reforms were still under consideration – and travel passes for Senior Citizens will also be added to RBC’s review!

Thus, while RTUC, DPAC and principled Labour members can take soothe from their success in delaying RBC’s decision-making and in their intention to retain Companion Passes – a clear sign of the heed being taken by RBC of the campaign of opposition – the campaign must go on. RTUC, DPAC and principled Labour members say NO TO RESTRICTIONS ON DISABLED RIGHTS.

RTUC, DPAC and principled Labour Party members
outside the Reading Civic Offices

See Reading Chronicle's coverage of the protest here: https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/17191447.victory-for-disabled-campaigners-over-reading-borough-council-bus-cut-fear/?fbclid=IwAR0P78ax3ocjcu_qa68Th3zV-jcXr-C6_Cr5qD_MQAM4PKe5j_5ZRGtlF6o.