Disabled Person's Bus Pass

kingfisherblue

I found out in January that my twelve year old son could apply for a Disabled Person's Bus Pass. I applied, but was informed by Merseytravel that all applicants, regardless of disability, have to have a medical and that there was a waiting list. My son has received HRC since he was three months old and HRM since he was three years old. It has been an indefinate award since he was eight.

Today, we went to the Merseytravel offices for his medical. I was asked two questions and the doctor commented that it had taken longer for me to fill in the form than it took for him to make a decision. My son has been awarded the pass for life :j

We were in the building for less than twenty minutes, including the time it took to change my son's pullups, take his photo with a large model of a penguin, book in, have the (very short!) medical and get his pass made up. In three years, I can renew his pass by post

Indie_Kid

That's brilliant! Although I don't understand (I know I've said this before) why a medical was needed.

kingfisherblue

Me neither sh1305 - if you can call it a medical! The doctor asked if my son has asthma - he does, but it is by no means his most severe condition. It was also listed on the form.

He also asked which school my son attends. It is a special school which was a newbuild five years ago, to replace two special schools that were closing down. The doctor commented that he used to visit one of the older schools. That was it! It took a ten minute drive to the train station, 34 minutes on the train, and a ten minute walk to the Merseytravel offices - complete with a wheelchair as my son cannot walk far. He had to take time off school as well. On the other hand, at least it is a lifetime pass, so we won't have to return for further 'medicals'.

Indie_Kid

I have to renew mine in 3 years time. All I've had to show is a piece of paper stating that I'm partially sighted. No medical was needed.

kingfisherblue

TBH, I would have thought that sending a copy of my son's DLA award would have been sufficient for a three year pass. I didn't even know they issued passes for life.

Indie_Kid

That's all my council (when I live at home or uni) require.

polkadot

Thats fantastic Kingfisherblue :j It does differ from borough to borough. In the borough I lived in when I first got my pass required a medical. In the borough I live now-you automatically qualify for one if you receive HRM.

Savvy_Sue

From other threads it seems Merseytravel are particularly 'difficult' about issuing passes. Maybe a few of you should take it up with your MPs, because I think - not sure - I have read that MT ignore the regulations about issuing free passes and make up their own, more difficult regulations, perhaps to put you all off applying!

[Deleted User]

Merseytravel are a right royal pain in the a** if you ask me. I've been getting a pass from them since I was 15 for epilepsy which I have had since I was a baby. Lots of different meds & brain surgery and I still have seizures. Yet they still only issue me for a year and make me have a medical every time (of sorts seeing as they only ask me if I am having seizures, I say yes!)

I applied for a licence and was refused to try and 'get out' of their stupid medical, no joy. Send them my prescription, get my consultant to sign the form and they know about the surgery but they still only issue me for year at a time!

MrsManda

I just provided a copy of my prescription as I get a bus pass because I am unable to drive due to medication. Though that was a few years ago so perhaps things have changed (and in Cumbria)

Indie_Kid

_shel wrote: »

Merseytravel are a right royal pain in the a** if you ask me. I've been getting a pass from them since I was 15 for epilepsy which I have had since I was a baby. Lots of different meds & brain surgery and I still have seizures. Yet they still only issue me for a year and make me have a medical every time (of sorts seeing as they only ask me if I am having seizures, I say yes!)

Talk about a pointless medical. I know people who only have to apply for a driving licence, get refused and send that letter off. Would make sense if every council did that.