Disabled buss pass and children

Rodger_71

Hi, I have been given a free bus pass due to epilepsy (obviously I can't drive). This is great as I don't have to pay for the bus after 9.30, only problem is when I've got my kids with me during holidays or weekends, if I travel I have to pay for them. Bus prices being as high as they are these days this usually costs me a fortune. Do you think I'm being cheeky or do you think it makes sense that my children should be included if they are travelling with me. Is this even possible, does anyone know?

foxxymynx

Some areas have all day tickets for a low price for children. Where I live it's £1 for a day rider for a child with an under 16 card. Ask your bus company about deals and offers.

The bus pass, as I understand it, isn't because of cost, but because you have limited mobility so can only walk very short distances, so you would have ended up getting the bus for short distances as well as longer distances, where other people would walk. I think their argument would be that there is no need for your children to accompany you, it's infact the other way around, you are accompanying your children.

[Deleted User]

foxxymynx wrote: »

The bus pass, as I understand it, isn't because of cost, but because you have limited mobility

Not true. You can get a free bus pass if you have epilepsy, are blind, Deaf, or have uncontrolled dizzy spells due to an medical condition. This has nothing to do with limited mobility.

polkadot

A freedom pass is granted if you have been given the mobility component at the higher rate, all of those conditions quoted by waggle dancer do infact, affect your mobility.

I was under the impression that children to not pay for transport under the age of 16? Or is London different from the rest of the country?

I have a freedom pass because I have cerebral palsy-and get mobility at the higher rate-my son does not pay for transport at all. I would approach your local council and if no joy then your MP (I did this because I was refused DLA initially). The whole point of receiving the benefit is to subsidise costs-the same way if you are disabled you are entitled to a "threshold review" (maybe not precise word) but meaning that although your family income may appear to be above the low income bracket, your expenses are automatically considered to be higher because of the disability.

So in essence, it is about cost...the point of receiving the benefit is to help improve your quality of life. The question would be "how did you get around before?" if the answer was "you weren't" then you should take it up again with your council.

mealone

You can apply in some LAs for a C+ pass if you need someone with you when you travel and as epiletic you should be eligable.

The C+ is only accepted in the LA you live in but if you get one at least one child would go free when traveling with you.

Some areas call these passes carer passes.

[Deleted User]

polkadot wrote: »

.

I was under the impression that children to not pay for transport under the age of 16? Or is London different from the rest of the country?

Yes, London is indeed different from the rest of the country. In the rest of the country there is no such thing as a "Freedom pass".

And children do have to pay - which is the point the OP is raising - generally its half price but there are various bus passes and schemes (as mentioned already) that allow for discounted travel but some of these only relate to school buses/term time.

daska

It varies so much for children. Where we are all children pay adult prices from their 14th birthday.

carlislelass

children usually pay from their 5th birthday...in our area 2/3 of an adult fare, full price on leaving school( with proof they`re still at school)

foxxymynx

Waggle_Dancer wrote: »

Not true. You can get a free bus pass if you have epilepsy, are blind, Deaf, or have uncontrolled dizzy spells due to an medical condition. This has nothing to do with limited mobility.

depends entirely which area you live in as to the rules.

seeya23

i live in nottingham ive got one with companion pass so i can take someone eles with me on the bus

[Deleted User]

foxxymynx wrote: »

depends entirely which area you live in as to the rules.

No it doesn't. It is a national scheme.
Since 1 April 2008, everyone who is eligible for concessionary bus travel in England is entitled to free off-peak travel on all local buses anywhere in England.

What is 'eligible disabled'?

You are eligible disabled if any of the following applies to you:

• you are blind or partially sighted
• you are profoundly or severely deaf
• you are without speech
• you have a disability which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk
• you do not have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
• you have a learning disability
• you would, if you applied for a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have your application refused under section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) on grounds other than persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol

I believe Scotland and Wales have something on similar lines but I'm not sure if we can cross borders with our free passes!

See http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/PublicAndCommunityTransport/DG_4019388