Campaigning

Campaigns we are involved with…

The Bus Pass Campaign

The Bus Pass Campaign aims for bus travel to be free for everyone seeking sanctuary in Bristol and the wider WECA region.

The cost of transport is regularly sited as a significant barrier in daily life for many people facing severe poverty in and around Bristol.  A day bus pass costs £6.80 – this is two thirds of the standard weekly allowance that people seeking asylum living in a hotel recive. This can force people into making impossible choices between essential journeys, such as taking a child to school and attending a medical appointment, and other essentials such as clothing or shoes for them and their children.

We want to see a sanctuary seeking community who are able to access services, travel around the city, integrate and feel part of their local community. A free bus travel scheme for people who need it most is a compassionate and practical solution that would make a life-changing difference. It’s a simple way to help people get back on their feet, reduce the threat of social isolation, build bridges in our communities and help people access the support they need to rebuild their lives. People affected by this issue have shared that if the barriers to public transport were removed, they would use the bus to:

• Take their children to school or creche
• Travel to buy or collect food
• Attend legal and medical appointments
• Attend English classes
• Visit places of worship
• Access support services
• Volunteer at local charity organisations

For more information on the campaign, or to add your support, please contact: diana@bristol.cityofsanctuary.org