disabillity and train travel

Vaila

hi, i have a blue bus pass, but im not too sure if there is a disabillity card solely for train travel.

mum2one

arran_m wrote: »

hi, i have a blue bus pass, but im not too sure if there is a disabillity card solely for train travel.

You would need to apply for a disabled persons railcard,

http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/what-is-a-disabled-persons-railcard

from British Railway website

dmg24

As well as the railcard, in some areas you can use your bus pass on local train services. Your council would be able to tell you if this is applicable to you.

Savvy_Sue

mum2one wrote: »

You would need to apply for a disabled persons railcard,

http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/what-is-a-disabled-persons-railcard

from British Railway website

Note that while you may be able to use your bus pass on local trains, the DPR doesn't get you free train travel. You have to pay for the card, and then you and one companion get a discount.

One 'big' journey a year will mean it pays for itself, almost certainly.

Although I think there are some possibilities for free train travel if you're in a wheelchair.

krisskross

We have a disabled persons railcard which pays for itself with just a couple of trips.

I always book free assistance when we travel and this means someone takes us and carries the luggage, while I push the wheelchair with my husband in it. Our luggage is put on the train and we are helped to find our seats. A phone call is then made to the station where we depart the train informing them what carriage we are in etc and someone will be waiting for us. It truly is an excellent service.

Savvy_Sue

krisskross wrote: »

I always book free assistance when we travel and this means someone takes us and carries the luggage, while I push the wheelchair with my husband in it. Our luggage is put on the train and we are helped to find our seats. A phone call is then made to the station where we depart the train informing them what carriage we are in etc and someone will be waiting for us. It truly is an excellent service.

Again, I think you can book free assistance without a railcard - after all, there are various reasons why someone might short-term require assistance without actually being disabled.

sunnyone

krisskross wrote: »

We have a disabled persons railcard which pays for itself with just a couple of trips.

I always book free assistance when we travel and this means someone takes us and carries the luggage, while I push the wheelchair with my husband in it. Our luggage is put on the train and we are helped to find our seats. A phone call is then made to the station where we depart the train informing them what carriage we are in etc and someone will be waiting for us. It truly is an excellent service.

If your husband stays in his wheelchair you get 30% off a single fare and 50% (discount is to both you and your husbands fare with you as the carer) off a return fair without a railcard, its only for pay on the day fares but its handy to know just incase.

I cant fault the assistance Ive been given when travelling by train, the service is excellent, I present myself to the designated spot and from then on the staff take really good care of me, I have even been given the mobile number of the train manager just incase I need any help during the journey and no staff are in view.

pipkin71

krisskross wrote: »

We have a disabled persons railcard which pays for itself with just a couple of trips.

I always book free assistance when we travel and this means someone takes us and carries the luggage, while I push the wheelchair with my husband in it. Our luggage is put on the train and we are helped to find our seats. A phone call is then made to the station where we depart the train informing them what carriage we are in etc and someone will be waiting for us. It truly is an excellent service.

Yes, I also use the assistance on the trains, so that we are helped onto the train, and it really does help. I also need the ramp to get on and off, and they do let the station at my destination know, so that they are also waiting to assist when we reach where we are going.

Not sure if you know, but, if your husband remains in his wheelchair, you can get cheaper train travel if your husband doesn't occupy a seat. You can also get a carer's ticket, so you should ask about it the next time you travel by train.

However, you can't do so in conjunction with the disabled person's railcard, so it may not always be cheaper - I've found that when using the family and friend railcard, it still works out cheaper to buy the tickets, even if I remain in the wheelchair.

**Edited to add: should have read the whole thread before posting!