Transport
National Entitlement Card
Senior Railcard
Disabled Persons
Railcard
Rail
Travel Assistance for Disabled
Passengers
Dial-a-bus
Dial-a-ride
Taxi Card
Motability Car Scheme
Blue Badge Scheme
Shopmobility
British Red Cross
Transport Service
National Entitlement Card
Scotland-wide free bus travel allows anyone aged 60 and over, and eligible disabled people, to travel free on both local registered services and long-distance bus services within Scotland, without any peak-time restrictions.
The Scottish Government introduced this free bus travel scheme as part of a National Entitlement Card which can be used to access a variety of public services.
See the Transport Scotland web pages about the National Entitlement Card and Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People.
How do I get it?
To apply for the National Entitlement Card, you may need to complete an application form. These are available from Local Authority information offices, libraries, local travel centres or Post Offices, depending on where you live in Scotland. Your Local Authority / local concessionary travel scheme office is responsible for the application and validation process in your area. For information on the application process in your area please contact your relevant local authority office, the telephone number of which can be found on the following Transport Scotland web page.
You will need to provide a recent passport-type colour photograph. When making an application you will also need to produce current documentary evidence of your age or disability along with proof of your current address. Full details of acceptable documentary evidence can be found on the front page of the application forms.
The scheme is run for the Scottish Government by Transport Scotland. Find out more by
visiting their website.
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Senior Railcard
With a Senior Railcard anyone 60 years or over can save 1/3 on Standard and First Class rail fares throughout Great Britain for 12 months.
You can buy a Senior Railcard at mainline railway stations or buy online at the Senior Railcard website.
Disabled Persons Railcard
If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult you might qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard. The Railcard allows you to get a 1/3 off most rail fares throughout Great Britain. If you're travelling with an adult companion they also can get the same discount.
You can buy a Disabled Persons Railcard at mainline railway stations or buy online at the Disabled Persons Railcard website.
Rail
Travel Assistance for Disabled Passengers
Arrangements can be made for disabled passengers travelling by train. The train company can usually arrange for staff to meet you at your departure station, accompany you to the train and see you safely on board. Similar arrangements can be made at your destination station and other stations if you need to change trains. For example, ramps can be provided for wheelchair users.
For further information, visit the ScotRail website
Dial-a-Bus
Dial-a-Bus schemes are designed to help people who have difficulty using standard buses. Dial-a-Bus vehicles are wheelchair-accessible, with low floor ramp access at the front of the vehicle. The vehicle will pick you up and drop you off as near as possible to your home and destination. The driver can assist you on and off the bus. They can also take you to and from rail stations.
How do I get it?
Contact your Local Authority to see if there is a Dial-a-Bus scheme in your area and find out if you are eligible.
Dial-a-Ride
Dial-a-Ride provides a door-through-door transport service for people with limited mobility who are unable to use ordinary buses.
The vehicles are specially adapted to carry combinations of wheelchair users and other passengers safely and comfortably.
How do I get it?
Contact your Local Authority to see if there is a Dial-a-Ride scheme in your area and find out if you are eligible.
Taxi Card
Many Local Authorities operate Taxi Card schemes which offer reduced fare taxi and rail travel to those who cannot use conventional bus services because of severe physical disability or infirmity.
How do I get it?
Contact your Local Authority to see if there is a Taxi Card scheme in your area and find out if you are eligible.
Motability Car Scheme
Motability is a scheme through which you can buy or lease a car that can be used by someone caring for you for your transport needs.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible if you receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component (HRMC) of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS).
How does it work?
By transferring your allowance to Motability, you can pay for the lease or hire purchase of a car.
How do I get it?
To find out more about the details of the scheme, visit the Motability Scotland website.
Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge scheme provides a system of parking concessions for some disabled people travelling either as drivers or passengers.
Badge holders are exempt from certain parking restrictions, including being allowed to park:
- free at on-street parking meters and in Pay and Display bays;
- up to three hours on single and double yellow lines.
You can obtain details from the Department for Transport website or by
calling the Blue Badge Helpline on 0207 944 2914.
Shopmobility
Shopmobility is a scheme which lends manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public with limited mobility to shop and to visit leisure and commercial facilities within the town, city or shopping centre.
Shopmobility is for anyone, young or old, whether their disability is temporary or permanent. It is available for those with injuries, long or short-term disabilities - anyone who needs help with mobility.
What does it cost?
All schemes operate slightly differently; some provide Shopmobility as a free service while others make a charge.
How do I get it?
To find out if there is a local scheme in your area, contact your Local Authority or visit the Shopmobility website.
British Red Cross Transport Service
The British Red Cross Transport Service can sometimes provide drivers with suitable vehicles and assistance where needed to get to hospital appointments. They can also supply wheelchairs. For more information visit the British Red Cross website.
last updated 09/09/2011
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