Call for accessible bus service

People First president Jodie Turner and member Shauni Frost want cheaper bus fares for people with disabilities. PHOTO/REBECCA SAVORY

Tauranga members of People First are calling for a discount bus card for people living with disabilities.

The issue of transport accessibility was raised today during a local People First meeting with two of Tauranga's election candidates.

People First Midlands and Tauranga president Jodie Turner said the bus was the only transport option for a lot of people with disabilities.

"I can't drive. The buses are the only way we can get around."

Fares were too expensive for people living on a benefit, she said.

She hoped MPs would take it on board and look at introducing a similar scheme to the Gold Card for elderly citizens.

Wheelchair accessibility, the frequency of buses and how long they ran during the day were also raised as issues.

People First member Shauni Frost said she ran a business to help people catch the bus.

"It's difficult for people with disabilities. Some can't read timetables because the writing is small or they might not be able to read the sign on the front of the bus.

"I teach people how to catch the bus, where to go, how to read timetables."

New Zealand First candidate Clayton Mitchell and Labour candidate Rachel Jones were invited to meet with the group this afternoon.

Both candidates agreed transport accessibility and affordability for people with disabilities was a nationwide issue.

Ms Turner said she had also been in discussions with Green Party candidate Ian McLean over the plea for a discount card.