Getting out and about
There are various ways in which transport can be provided in order for you to get out and about.
Driving yourself
If you are less confident about driving, Hampshire County Council’s Road Safety Team offers an independent, confidential, driving assessment for older drivers which helps to prolong fitness to drive. The assessment, which costs £25, is not a test but offers help and advice.
The Road Safety Team Tel: 01962 874600
Help for disabled drivers
Motability Scheme - If you receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement it is possible to use it to buy or lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter through the Motability Scheme.
Southampton Mobility Centre is the nearest Mobility Centre to Hampshire. Disabled drivers can get practical advice about driving, an assessment of their capabilities, and advice about car adaptations and/or choice of car.
Transport concessions
Blue Badges - Parking concessions for cars carrying people who have severe walking disablities, severe upper limb disabilities or who are registered blind.
Disabled Person's Railcard - offers 1/3 off most standard and first class rail tickets.
Bus passes - The older persons bus pass entitles the holder to concessionary travel on buses, trains and other forms of local public transport. To be eligible for a bus pass the applicant must be aged over 60 and resident in the area. Contact your local City, District or Borough Council, or you local bus or train company.
Other concessionary fares - disabled people and people who are not allowed to drive because of a medical condition can qualify for concessionary fare schemes. Contact your local City, District or Borough Council, or your local bus or train company.
Public and community transport
Community transport search - services are provided to help people who cannot use scheduled transport services such as buses and trains. They include services such as minibuses that may come to your door, car schemes that help with transport to medical appointments and taxi companies that have wheelchair accessible vehicles
Passenger Transport Group - provides ‘Getting about guides’ aimed at older people and the disabled and ‘Travel Guides’ that list details of bus, train and coach services
Publications
- Getting out at about chapter and
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Your home chapter from the
Guide to Better Care and Support
this includes information on the help that friends, relatives or neighbours might provide, including essential transport