Disabled Concessionary Pass

Mrs_Ryan

Hi all
I have my form completed and signed by my GP so all ready to go off on Friday and was just wondering how these passes work.
Do different areas have different rules and can I use it anywhere? I know I can't use it until after 9.30am weekdays (I'm never up that early but if I need to be somewhere early OH will run me there in the car so not bothered overly about that)
Sorry to ask such daft questions but ive only ever had the 'normal' bus company passes before and have only recently become unwell enough to qualify for this pass.
I live in the Leicestershire County Council travel pass area if it helps.
Thanks

kingfisherblue

In Merseyside, you can use the disabled bus pass at any time of day. You can also use them on local train journeys and the ferry (not pleasure cruises). Some areas allow a companion to travel free of charge, but Merseyside doesn't.


So it does sound as though there are different rules for different places.

Sncjw

Yes it's different for different areas. I have one and it can be run by council or transport authority in your area. I can apply for an all day one if I work or study more than 15 hours. I have a off peak pass which i can use on all buses after 9:30. You can travel on buses anywhere in the country after 9:30 too. I believe you can travel all day weekend and public holidays.

My area has a metro train and I can pay £12 for a year of unlimited travel after 9:30 also and on weekends and bank holidays. I can also use he ferry too in my area. I'd check with your council or transport authority. Pop in I'm sure they won't mind. Also if you have hospital appointment you can use your pass before 9:30 just show your letter.

When I use the 9:30 buss there is a few older people waiting too .

McKneff

Mrs Ryan, may I ask the extent of your disabilities or at least ask can you actually manage on your own or do you need a companion.
If you need a companion, you can actually apply for a card with a C on it (for Companion) which enables a Companion or Carer to travel free with you.

System

Agreed it differs in different areas, here there are no restrictions on disabled travel passes, we can use them any time of day. And also on any journey in south yorkshire and on certain trains to leeds.

I think you can look on individual councils websites and they may be able to tell you of their restrictions

kingfisherblue

McKneff wrote: »

Mrs Ryan, may I ask the extent of your disabilities or at least ask can you actually manage on your own or do you need a companion.
If you need a companion, you can actually apply for a card with a C on it (for Companion) which enables a Companion or Carer to travel free with you.

In Merseyside, you can't apply for a companion or carer to travel free with you, even if needed. They have to pay full price. I think the C pass depends on area, as I have heard of them, but they definitely aren't available here. I've asked.

Horseunderwater

http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/highways/passenger_transport/bus_pass.htmlink takes U 2 LCC website.

HOWMUCH

In South Yorkshire you have to be in receipt of HRC to get a card with a C on and the carer doesn't pay. When we go on holiday I always check out the local authority to see what they allow of people.

kingfisherblue

We used my son's pass in a different area today for the first time. We went to a panto in Manchester, and not being confident enough to drive in the city centre, I parked at my sister's and caught the bus in (my sister and BIL were both at work, so neither could give us a lift).


My son had his wheelchair, and obviously his photo is on his pass. It wouldn't work on the scanner on the bus though. However, the drivers (both ways) allowed the pass. It cost almost a fiver each way for myself and my younger son, but worth it.


I have to say how polite and helpful the drivers were too. The driver on the way into Manchester made sure that we not only got off the bus at the nearest stop to the Opera House, but also gave us directions to walk the rest of the way. Lovely chap.

Mrs_Ryan

thanks all.
I have anxiety and mental health problems and mobility problems. My Mum has a +C pass which allows me to travel for free with her, but the form didn't ask me to indicate if I need a companion - I don't receive DLA or PIP of any description so I guess I wouldn't get it but that's fine. My GP signed the form for me as I am reluctant to go out - she has referred me to the gym and everything but I cant afford to get there which is making my anxiety and depression worse and I am now close to being housebound. I have panic attacks which cause seizures usually in cars so I am eligible on the grounds that I would be refused a licence as it would be dangerous for me to attempt to drive.
I read the website but it was a bit useless... Leicester City's website is really informative but LCC's isn't :mad:
Thanks for your help all much appreciated
ps scnjw I think you're in the same area as my Mum - she has a isabled person's pass and she loves the Metro add on - she rarely uses the bus but goes everywhere by Metro and thinks its a bargain!

Morglin

In London, we can use them on all buses, all tubes, and the railway (up to a certain distance) at any time. We don't pay any fare.

It's not clear where you live, but if you live in a London borough, you could also look up London Taxi Card (reduced fares, up to a point).


"Taxicard scheme - London Councils

https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/taxicard/default.htm

London Taxicard provides subsidised transport in taxis and private-hire vehicles for people with dusabilities."


Lin