disabled public transport pass

Chillyntim

I live in east yorkshire and when I was talking to social workers I was told I should get a free public transport pass. I phoned to apply but was asked if I was deaf, blind or limbless. No to all 3 - I am a wheelchair user and have to have a carer acompany me whenever I go out. I have to pay twice for everything due to taking my carer - exactly why I want the pass.

I'm livid as BIL who is deaf could get one and he has no need of anyone with him. I asked what is classed as limbless and was told the lady *Thought* that it was missing any part of any limb - even a finger or toes. OK so it is getting silly. MIL had part of her toe removed for ingrowing toenail - she qualifies. A friend lost his finger in an accident and he qualifies. Both live happy healthy lives.

So basically how do I fight this? I want to do what I can so the criterior is changed. It should be available if you NEED it. If you NEED a carer with you.

I have no idea where to start. My social worker is pretty useless and don't really get out to know other places to find support.

Ideas please
Chantelle

chloecat_2

I got one from my local council. Emailed their disability dept and they sent out a form for me to fill in, which was then sent to my doctor. Got my pass within 2 weeks.

My sister who needs someone with her when she goes out got hers through her social worker.

What council are you under? I'll have a look for a contact for you if you let me know x

Chillyntim

East Yorkshire - Hessle to be precise. The problem is I have contacted teh council about it direct and got the above response. The woman admitted it was wrong and she had to turn down loads of people every day as they don't fit in the criterior. I accept that I don't BUT do not accept the critirior is correct.

I don't think a single voice will do anything. I don't know how to find more people to speak up.
Chantelle

carlislelass

try your County council, not your local one

chloecat_2

Sorry your council are behaving like that. The below link covers the rules for passes.
As you are in a wheelchair, and need help getting around I suggest you contact your doctor and get them to write a statement covering your disabilities and needs, and send that together with a letter covering the bits on the link.
You are entitled so don't give up.

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

Zziggi

You can get a pass (and a companion pass) as a wheelchair user.

http://www.eastriding.gov.uk/nationalbuspass/

then
http://www.eastriding.gov.uk/atoz/details.aspx?id=1316

apply under category 6 severe walking difficulties. proof being blue badge, ?DLA higher rate mobility, registration with social services (which you are), etc etc

munchings-n-crunchings

Hi Chantelle,

Do you receive Disability Living Allowance at the Higher rate? or do you have a blue badge?
You should really be applying under the category of 'severe walking difficulties'

You need to apply to The East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Here is a link to their information regarding the bus pass, where I picked up the above information.
http://www.eastriding.gov.uk/atoz/details.aspx?id=1316

For a companion pass, you will just need a note from your GP, confirming you need a person to accompany you this is the +C pass.

On checking the councils website, their information is contradictory, but the above link clearly indicates that there is a 'severe walking difficulty' category, which one would assume you fit quite nicely into :rolleyes:

Regards

Munchie

Chillyntim

Thank you. That is lots to read through - will get through it in time.

My main thing is if I had the free train pass I could get to see family and friends in doncaster as the east riding pass covers doncaster station. It would be a huge difference to my life as we can't afford to get there - even on reduced fee passes. There is a train station in my town that I could use too.

I get DLA higher mobility and am fighting to get from the lower rate care back to the middle care that I have had for years (why they changed it this time I don't know).

My GP will not fill in forms! He doesn't think it chould be his job. The time before this DLA application he refused to fill in forms making me have to have a DLA appeal and their own DWP dr look at me. He said I should have higher care, middle mobility and a permanant carer!
Therefore this time filling in the DLA I sent a copy of his report and got it no problem apart from the lower care which I don't understand.

I don't understand why I could get a free bus pass and not a train pass? I find busses terribly hard to use as I have a mobility scooter. Trains seem to be great as I have help to get scoot on and off and as I can walk short distances I get a comfy seat! Busses don't have the room for a scoot.

Thanks again - I will keep trying
Chantelle

savemoney

You should get a pass I live a little further up the coast my daughter gets high rate DLA and walks with a stick, she gets a free pass which entitles someone else to go free with her

I didnt know you could get a train pass though

munchings-n-crunchings

Some area's offer their own enhancements, allowing the use of local trains.

I am in Nottinghamshire, so my son can use the free bus service. In addition, he can use the local train service for half price after 9.30, but the east coast mainline is excluded

My GP's surgery also refuses to fill out the forms for this.
The council are understanding regarding this, and accepted a letter confirming his diagnosis as proof of entitlement.

I would go to one of the contact points, and refer them to this statement regarding 'severe walking difficulties', as I am sure a person in a wheelchair, or user of a mobility scooter is clearly within that category.
If they still decline your need, then a letter to your MP would be in order.

Regards
Munchie

McKneff

It does not cover train passes because the county council only pay subsidies to the bus companies, not the train companies.

I live in North Yorkshire, my OH got his disability bus pass when he was 57 due to sight problems and he was on long term incapacity benefit.
Last year i was added to his bus pass as a companion (companions do not get a separate pass) the owners bus pass is marked with a 'C' for companion this enables them to have any companion with them. Although he is not fully blind and not registered as blind the County council accepted a letter from the Opthalmologist and so now i can go with him on all bus journeys fro free.