Transport is regularly found to be one of the greatest concerns of disabled people. It has come up as a problem at many SG DEN meetings.
This page has some basic information about transport services in South Gloucestershire and we will try to pass on news of any improvements as they happen.
Travel by Private Motor Car
For most disabled people who have access to a car, either as a driver or passenger, this is usually their favourite mode of transport. It provides the door to door service which takes away many of the pitfalls involved in using public transport.
The biggest barrier is usually cost. Buying a car and the petrol to run it is not cheap. Disabled people who quality for the higher rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (and its successor Personal Independence Payment) qualify for the Motability Scheme which provides a 3 year lease vehicle. This includes all the basic running costs of the vehicle except petrol. For details of the scheme go to http://www.motability.co.uk/
The other major issue for disabled people using a car is parking.
You can qualify for a Blue Badge if:
- you receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
- you receive a Personal Independence Payment for being unable to walk further than 50 metres
- are registered blind
- you receieve a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- you have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1-8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and has been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
- you are unable to walk
- you are unable to walk very far without experienceing considerable difficulty
- you have a severe disability in both arms
The Blue Badge allows them to park in bays reserved for disabled people, and under some circumstances to park on double yellow lines. In some car parks it also allows them to park for free (but always check this as many private operators and growing numbers of Councils no longer offer concessions to badge holders). Blue Badges are issued by a Local Council – for information about applying for a badge in South Gloucestershire go to http://www.southglos.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/parking/parking-permits-blue-badge/
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
The second most popular mode of transport for disabled people is generally a taxi or Private Hire Vehicle (sometimes called a minicab). This provides the same sort of doo
r to door service as a car, but can be very expensive if used regularly.
One of the main problems which concerns wheelchair users is the shortage of vehicles where they can travel seated in their chair.
You can find out about designated wheelchair accessible vehicles here: http://www.southglos.gov.uk/business/licences-and-street-trading/taxis-and-minicabs/designated-wheelchair-accessible-vehicles/
Sadly, some disabled passengers, particularly wheelchair users and blind people who are accompanied by the guide dog, aren’t always well treated. If you have a problem you can complain to the Council. If you can get the licence number of the driver the Council can investigate and has the power to suspend their licence. Send your information to licensing@southglos.gov.uk .
Buses
For years disabled people with mobility impairments found buses difficult or impossible to use. The high step up into the bus and the layout inside meant that it was too much of a struggle.
However modern buses are much more disabled friendly. They are low floor and ‘kneeling suspension’ means that they can be further lowered at the stop so that any step up is generally very small. A ramp means that wheelchair users can get on board where they will find a dedicated space for them. Non-slip flooring, frequent grab rails and good colour contrast all add up to making buses a practical option for growing numbers of disabled people if they can get to the bus stop.
Although there are a few older buses still in service all buses have had to be ‘disabled friendly’ since January 2017.
The Council has general information about bus services in the area on its website http://www.southglos.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/transport/public-community-and-school-transport/buses/
There are two main bus companies serving the area and information about their services (including feedback pages if you a complaint or a compliment) can be found on their websites.
Wessex Buses http://www.wessexbus.com/
First Bus Bristol, Bath and the West http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/
First Bus have also introduced Safe Journey and Better Journey cards designed specifically for customers who may need some extra help to make their journey. The cards have phrases such as ‘Please be direct, I have autism’, ‘Please be patient, I have a hidden disability’, and ‘Please scan my pass for me’.
These can be downloaded from their website: https://www.firstgroup.com/bus-accessibility
Disabled people with significant mobility difficulties, learning difficulties, who are registered blind, or who have had to give up driving because of medication are eligible for a concessionary bus pass.
The Pass allows them to travel free of charge on buses after 9.00 am on weekdays in the Bristol and Bath area until 2.00am the next day, and after 9.30 am until 11.00 pm in the rest of England. You can travel all day on weekends and Bank Holidays.
The bus pass is issued by South Gloucestershire Council and you can get the application form here http://www.southglos.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/public-transport/bus-pass/how-to-apply-for-a-diamond-travelcard/
Community Transport
For disabled people who cannot use bus services and who have limited access to a car Community Transport might be able to provide an alternative. They operate accessible vehicles which provide ring and ride individual door to door journeys and group journeys to popular destinations such as shopping centres.
South Gloucestershire is served by three Community Transport organisations:
Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport covering the northern part of South Gloucestershire – http://4tvl.org.uk/ 01454 250500
Green Community Travel serving the Yate and Frome Vale area – http://www.greencommunitytravel.co.uk/0845 2410985
Kingswood Community Transport covering the south of the district – http://www.kingswoodct.org.uk/0117 9616016
Trains
Like buses trains are also getting more accessible to disabled people. However although the carriages have more facilities for disabled people the step up into the carriage remains a barrier for people with mobility impairments which can only be overcome by a ramp. The ramp must be deployed by station or train staff, so the opportunities for some disabled people to travel spontaneously on trains are very limited.
There are six railway stations in South Gloucestershire.
The train companies provide Passenger Assistance for disabled people where assistance can be booked 24 hours in advance. In this are the service is operated by First Great Western and their booking line is 08001 971 329.
More information about Passenger Assist and other help for disabled passengers is provided by the Association of Train Operating Companies can be found here http://www.disability-onboard.co.uk/
If you are a confident traveller travelling between fully staffed mainline stations you may be able to ‘turn up and go’ if you arrive a few minutes before your train and can find staff to help you. But this is not recommended for inexperienced travellers.
Disabled people can qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard which gives one third off train fares for a disabled passenger and their companion. The card costs £20 for a year or £54 for three years. More information about the card is available here http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/
