Concessionary bus pas? 16 September 2017 at 8:38PM edited 30 November -1 at 1:00AM in Disability Money Matters 11 replies 1.8K views

nicetomeetyou

I already have a bus pass but I'm wondering if I would be entitled to a companion bus pass so I don't have to pay for my support staff to accompany on the bus. I can travel on the bus on my own but when I have to go to appointments it gets expensive for staff fares. I also would like to know if you have a companion bus pass does that mean you can't travel on your own with it?

GlasweJen

nicetomeetyou wrote: »

I already havpass but I'm wondering if I would be entitled to a companion bus pass so I don't have to pay for my support staff to accompany on the bus. I can travel on the bus on my own but when I have to go to appointments it gets expensive for staff fares. I also would like to know if you have a companion bus pass does that mean you can't travel on your own with it?

The criteria for a companion varies by area. In Scotland if you qualify for a bus pass on the grounds of middle/high care DLA or PIP daily living you automatically get a +1 on your card. The card for registered blind also comes with an automatic +1 on it. No one else qualifies for a companion on automatic grounds.

If you do get the companion then you don't need to travel with one, it's just when you want to travel with someone they'll also get on the bus for free.

DigForVictory

My son gets a plus one discount on trains, but no such help on the bus - he's epileptic.

+1 for It Varies - both with location & with disability.
Google is a potent tool for research, and for finding both application sites & evidence required/restrictions imposed.

dekaspace

Apologies for butting in but I always think this is good for me, I live in Scotland but the problem is proving it too as I only get low rate DLA both types, and can go places but its that I need support emotionally that I need i.e friends or family to go on trips with me

But theres no clear way of proving eligibility it seems due to things like if you can handle going around yourself.

poppy12345

With the bus pass i don't think there's anyway anyone can get one unless you automatically qualify. I used to have one years ago but i lost my drving license because of epilepsy, which meant i automatically qualified. When i had my license back i had to return the bus pass.

nannytone_2

i live in dwebyshire and get a free bus pass because i am blind. however tere isno carers pass available and o i have the pay my PA's fre when we go out.

elsien

In my area you only get the companion pass if you need care and support at all times. You need DLA higher rate Care or 8 points Care for PIP to qualify.

The people with learning disabilities I worked with who were unable to go out anywhere independently due to lack of awareness of danger didn't qualify because they were only on middle rate Care. Which always seemed unfair to me as they never went out alone.

kingfisherblue

I'm in Merseyside and there is no companion pass at all. My son cannot get to the bus stop on his own, never mind travel alone, but there is no possibility of a companion pass for me as Merseytravel just don't issue them - he's on high rate care and high rate mobility.

Peter6268

North Yorkshire Council, my local authority sent me a '+C' Concessionary Travel pass (ie for myself and a carer/companion) albeit I didn't ask for it and don't really need the '+C' part. Even when it was renewed a couple of years ago, I still received the '+C' card. However, as I understand it the '+C' is only valid within the local authority area where the pass was issued (and any reciprocal arrangements between adjoining councils'.



I just wish my London free tube/bus pass had a ‘Plus C’ part, as whenever I visit London I find walking underground between tube lines very difficult and could use a ‘free companion’ pass when I am there.

Overall, it just goes to show that all local authorities/government departments are different in how they treat the 'plus carer' situation.

Peter

Cyclamen

Seems another postcode lottery.

I originally had a disabled persons bus pass from Wiltshire.. but never used it as wasn't well enough. Heard about the companion option so phoned to ask for a form expecting a paper trail and they just updated my pass to a +C. I have now used it a twice in 4 years but it will be there when I am stronger.

nannytone_2

Peter6268 wrote: »

North Yorkshire Council, my local authority sent me a '+C' Concessionary Travel pass (ie for myself and a carer/companion) albeit I didn't ask for it and don't really need the '+C' part. Even when it was renewed a couple of years ago, I still received the '+C' card. However, as I understand it the '+C' is only valid within the local authority area where the pass was issued (and any reciprocal arrangements between adjoining councils'.



I just wish my London free tube/bus pass had a ‘Plus C’ part, as whenever I visit London I find walking underground between tube lines very difficult and could use a ‘free companion’ pass when I am there.

Overall, it just goes to show that all local authorities/government departments are different in how they treat the 'plus carer' situation.

Peter

why do you have a free tube/bus pass for london if you don't live there?