It may also be worth applying for a disabled person’s bus pass or a concessionary travel scheme. You will be entitled to a bus pass if you have been told to stop driving, if you have substantial difficulty walking, you are partially sighted or are hearing impaired. When applying, you will automatically qualify if you are in receipt of a welfare benefit mobility component (at the standard rate or higher rate). If you are not in receipt of a mobility benefit you can still apply, it is likely you will be invited for a face-to-face assessment.
When applying for a disabled person’s bus pass, in England you will need to apply via your local authority. In Scotland you will need to apply via your local council. In Wales you can apply for a disabled person’s travel pass on the Transport for Wales website. In Northern Ireland you may be able to get a ’SmartPass’ which can enable free and concessionary travel on public transport.
It is also possible to purchase a Disabled Person’s Railcard. You must meet an eligibility criteria (be in receipt of mobility benefits). Once you have the card this will entitle you to 33 per cent off the price of train tickets for you and your travelling companion.
If you are on a low income or in receipt of earnings replacement state benefits such as Universal Credit and need to travel for NHS treatment by public transport, you may want to apply for the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) to claim a refund of travel costs.
