Access to Work

If you cannot use public transport to get to work because of a disability, the Access to Work scheme may be able to help with the cost of taxi fares or modifications to a car which will enable you to continue to drive.

People who are driven to work by relatives or friends who have to make a double return journey can also receive help with their expenses. You don't have to be registered disabled to be eligible for the scheme, but your health problem or disability should be likely to last at least one year and affect the kind of work you can do.

Contact your regional Access to Work contact centre to check whether you can get help.

Alternatively, ask the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre about Access to Work.

Access to Work Contact Centre

(London and the South East)

Jobcentre Plus
Access to Work Operational Support Unit
Nine Elms Lane
London SW95 9BH

Telephone: 020 8426 3110
Textphone: 020 8426 3133
Fax: 020 8426 3134

Email: atwosu.london@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk

Website: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Coach Travel

routesixty

When you're over 60, you automatically qualify for concessionary fares on National Express coaches, 50% discount at off-peak times and up to 30% discount at peak times.

There is no need to apply for a card to get your discount. Simplt enter the number of people travelling in the ROUTE SIXTY box when you book your tickets online. Once you've bought your ticket, all you need to do is verify your age to the driver when you travel, it really is as simple as that!

For further information contact National Express
tel: 08717 818181

Concessionary Fares for passengers that are registered disabled

National Express offer concessionary fares for those passengers that are registered as disabled. Disabled passengers are entitled to a discount of up to 50% on all National Express services.

National Express Disabled Person's Travel Helpline

tel: 0871 818179        textphone: 0121 455 0086

NHS hospital travel costs

If you (or a member of your family) are attending hospital for an appointment, you may be able to reclaim the cost of your transport to and from the hospital.  

You can claim if you are any of the following

• War Pensioner, and your treatment is for your pensionable disability

You, your partner or dependent children are receiving:

• Income Support
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance
• Child Tax Credit and named on a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate
• Working Tax Credit and named on a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• A named person on an HC2 certificate, and possibly if you are on an H3 certificate.

You can claim using Department of Social Security form HC5, which is available from your local Jobcentre Plus, NHS hospital, or any main post office. You may claim help with travel costs up to three months after the date of travel.

You can claim back any money you spend on fares, including taxi fares, if this is the only way you could travel to you appointment. Please remember, however, to keep all receipts. If you are accompanied because you need assistance, your escort can also claim the cost of fares.

More information on eligibility is available in Leaflet H11, Are you entitled to help with health costs?, which you can get from hospitals, post offices and pharmacies. Alternatively contact:

Department of Health Publications
PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH
tel 08701 555455
Download Leaflet H11 from the Department of Health website

If you want to visit someone in hospital but cannot afford the fares, you may be able to get help from the Social Fund. Contact your local Jobcentre Plus for details.

A leaflet is available from your Jobcentre Plus entitled 'Grants and Loans from the Social Fund', which will provide you with more information.

Rail Travel Discounts

Senior Railcard

If you are aged 60 or over, you are eligible for a Senior Railcard, which entitles you to a third off the price of most standard, first class and advance fares. The card costs £26 and is valid for one year. Application forms are available from your local rail station, or you can purchase this online . Completed forms need to be handed in at the rail station with proof of age (birth certificate, passport or driving licence) and a passport-sized photograph.  Cards can be purchased or renewed over the phone.

Senior Railcard
ATOC, Third Floor, 40 Bernard Street, London WC1N 1BY
email enquiry@atoc.org
tel08448 714036

Disabled Person's Railcard

If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult you might qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard. A Disabled Person's Railcard costs £20 and is valid for one year or £54 for a three year Railcard.  The Railcard entitles you to a third off the price of most rail fares in Great Britain and if you travelling with an adult companion, they can also travel at the same discounted fare.

You need to give proof that you are eligible for a Railcard. You might qualify if at least one of the following applies:

• you have a visual impairment or a hearing impairment
• you have epilepsy and continue to suffer from attacks despite medication
• you are in receipt of a disability-related benefit.

Application forms are available from rail stations and main post offices and can also be downloaded. Send you completed form with your proof of entitlement and £20 to:

Rail Travel Made Easy
PO Box 11631, Laurencekirk AB30 9AA

Cheques made payable to 'Disabled Persons Railcard'.  Please allow 10 working days for your card to arrive. Railcards may be renewed over the phone or on an online form.

For further details and an application form contact
tel 0845 605 0525
textphone 0845 601 0132
www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

Non-railcard holders

If you use a wheelchair and wish to remain in it for a rail journey, you will be offered:

• Single - 34% off
• First Class or Standard Day Return - 50%
• First Class or Standard Open Return - 34%

A companion may also travel with you at the same discounted fare.

If you are registered blind or partially sighted, you can get discounted fares, but only if you are travelling with a companion. In this situation, you will both be offered

• Single - 34%
• First Class or Standard Day Return - 50%
• First Class or Standard Open Return - 34%

You will need to show proof of your impairment when you buy you ticket. Guide dogs travel free of charge.

Other discounted tickets such as 'savers' and 'cheap day returns' may offer better value to you in some cases. You should ask about these when you buy your ticket. If you are a regular traveller, you may be better off applying for a Disabled Person's Railcard.

Solent Travelcard

One ticket, one price, one travelcard!

Solent Travelcard is an integrated ticket for use on every bus that operates in the South Hampshire area, - issued and accepted by every bus company. It is available to buy from the bus driver from only £7 per day or for £27 for a week's travel. It can be used for an unlimited amount of travel. We are investigating with the railway companies with a view to extending Solent Travelcard to rail journeys too

• Solent Travelcard website
• Portsmouth City Council
• Southampton City Council

Please click on a logo to visit a company homepage

or contact your local participating operator:

Operator	Te	Operator	Tel
	023 8039 9078		01983 811000
	023 8033 3442	Mervyns Coaches	01962 774574
	023 8061 2288		023 8061 8233
Brijan Tours	01489 788138		0845 121 0190
Emsworth & District	01243 378337		023 8059 5974
	023 9286 2412		01202 673555

Note: Solent Travelcard is not accepted on NITE Bus.