Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus will give free, all-day, unlimited travel to companions of disabled concessionary card holders on Disabled Access Day, this Saturday (March 16).
DISABLED Access Day was inspired by the experience of power wheelchair user, Paul Ralph, after he went to a Lothian Bus open day in Edinburgh in 2014.
This gave him the confidence to start travelling by bus around the city and he decided to create Disabled Access Day, to encourage disabled people to get on a bus and try something new, whether that’s going to new places or events.
Paul said: “I’m delighted to see Brighton & Hove Buses taking part in Disabled Access Day on Saturday. It strikes a chord with me as it started from an experience I had with our local buses.
“Sitting on the sidelines with my new powerchair at the time, I wondered if I could take a bus. I had the chance to try a bus out at the local depot, in my own time, and without the theatre of a public service.
“It was fabulous, with easy to use ramps, plenty of space and helpful drivers. So from that came the creation of more opportunities to try something new as Disabled Access Day and #YouAndSomewhereNew became a national day for trying things out in a spirit of safety, welcome and fun.
“Thank you buses and the wonderful people who operate them!”
Brighton & Hove Buses’ Accessibility and Communities Manager Victoria Garcia said: “We’ve been behind Disabled Access Day from the start and we’re really pleased to be able to support it again this year, especially as it all began on a bus!
“We hope as many people as possible take advantage of this free plus 1 travel offer and find out how easy it is to catch our buses.”
You can use your free bus ticket to go to the Disabled Access Day celebrations from 12pm to 4pm at The Brighton Dome on Saturday, where they’ll be dancing, films, talks, community stalls, arts and crafts activities and food. Free entry.
How the ticket offer works
All you need to do is show the driver your disabled concessionary card and tell them you are travelling with your companion.
If you already have a ‘plus companion (+C)’ on your disabled concessionary card, you are entitled to have a second companion travel free with you.
The normal terms and conditions for holders of disabled concessionary passes still apply.
Details: www.buses.co.uk/access-day or call 01273 886 200.
You must be logged in to post a comment.