Transport chiefs have decided it would not be financially viable to give disabled people in Bradford free bus travel during morning peak periods.

A new report has revealed it would cost £4 million of taxpayers’ money every year to allow disabled people across West Yorkshire to travel for free before 9.30am on weekdays.

At present, disabled pass holders are entitled to free travel after 9.30am from Monday to Friday and all day at weekends, but campaigners from across the district had called for the hours of the Concessionary Travel Scheme to be extended.

The campaign included a 1,400-name petition raised by Bradford People First, a charity run by people with learning difficulties who believe free morning travel would give disabled people easier access to work and to doctors’ appointments.

Members of the charity travelled to Leeds yesterday to attend a meeting where the issue was being discussed by Metro’s Concessionary Fares Working Group.

A report that went before the group said: “Any extension to just one group of disabled pass holders, such as those with a learning difficulty, may well result in a legal challenge on the grounds of discrimination.

“The petition organised by Bradford People First requests an extension for all disabled people.

“It has been estimated that allowing free travel for pass holders with learning difficulties could cost up to £2 million per annum. This sum could increase the cost by a further £2m if free travel was extended to all disabled pass holders.

“While Metro is sympathetic to the issues raised, there is no provision in the Authority’s financial strategy, developed in the context of savings, for meeting the costs of extending the time of concessionary travel.”

Metro has written to the Primary Care Trusts in the district to remind staff that, where possible, appointments for disabled people should be scheduled after 9.30am to accommodate free bus travel.

The transport authority has also asked bus operators to consider introducing a concessionary card for all disabled pass holders on a commercial basis that could be used before 9.30am on weekdays, and has also promised to involve Bradford People First in the development of the Smartcard roll out.

Ursula Wood-Armstrong, a development worker for Bradford People First, attended yesterday’s meeting with Debbie Robertson, a member of the group.

She said: “They said it would cost £4m, and that it wouldn’t be feasible. It’s disappointing, but, in the current economic climate, we can understand that it might not be feasible.

“However, there was a bit of a compromise which means they will look at a discounted scheme and will involve the group in the Smartcard work.”