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Wheelchair discount on trains
Matt_Scope
Navigate Posts: 56 Pioneering
Hi
fyi
As a wheelchair user who catches trains every day, for work and leisure, it recently became apparent to me that many wheelchair users are not aware that if they buy tickets at the station (it doesn't seem to be available online, presumably for reasons of proof). you will receive a 50% discount for you and one other adult travelling with you.
This is without the rail card, (which I don't have) and only entitles me to 33% but costs £20. It is a separate discount, which relates to the wheelchair user not using a seat that can then be used by someone else. I've had this discount for many years on a daily basis, for short trips and intercity, but it seems that many people presenting rail cards and/or booking online the are only getting 33%..
I don't personally book assitance either, unless I'm pre-booking for work purposes, as I find it works better for me not to and I usually don't know what time I will be travelling that far in advance anyway. I just to give staff some notice that I am travelling and find it works just fine, although I am not advocating this strategy for everyone (especially anyone in parts of London), as many others don't have the same experience it seems..
Hopefully this information helps someone.
Here is the link on the National rail site.
Matt
fyi
As a wheelchair user who catches trains every day, for work and leisure, it recently became apparent to me that many wheelchair users are not aware that if they buy tickets at the station (it doesn't seem to be available online, presumably for reasons of proof). you will receive a 50% discount for you and one other adult travelling with you.
This is without the rail card, (which I don't have) and only entitles me to 33% but costs £20. It is a separate discount, which relates to the wheelchair user not using a seat that can then be used by someone else. I've had this discount for many years on a daily basis, for short trips and intercity, but it seems that many people presenting rail cards and/or booking online the are only getting 33%..
I don't personally book assitance either, unless I'm pre-booking for work purposes, as I find it works better for me not to and I usually don't know what time I will be travelling that far in advance anyway. I just to give staff some notice that I am travelling and find it works just fine, although I am not advocating this strategy for everyone (especially anyone in parts of London), as many others don't have the same experience it seems..
Hopefully this information helps someone.
Here is the link on the National rail site.
Matt
Replies
It's also worth checking your local authority for a disabled persons bus pass.
Senior online community officer
Disability Gamechanger - 2019
Blind or visually-impaired customers travelling with a companion
England & Wales
If you are registered as blind or visually-impaired and are travelling with another person, the concessionary discounts shown below apply for both you and your companion. You cannot get the discount if you are travelling on your own. Discount applies to adult fares only.
Please take evidence of your visual impairment such as a document from a recognised institution such as Social Services, your Local Authority, The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) or St Dunstans when buying your ticket and making your journey. Tickets can be purchased from staffed National Rail station ticket offices.
Customers who stay in their own wheelchair during a rail journey
If you need to stay in your own wheelchair during your rail journey the concessionary discounts shown below apply. Discounts are available on adult and child fares. The discounts below apply if you are travelling alone. They are also available to one adult travelling with you. Tickets can be purchased from staffed National Rail station ticket offices.
Discounts available on adult fares
First Class / Standard Anytime Single or Return 34% off
First Class / Standard Anytime Day Single 34% off
First Class / Standard Anytime Day Return 50% off
Please note, that sometimes it may be cheaper to buy an undiscounted Off-Peak or Advance ticket.
Season tickets for blind or visually-impaired customers
If you are blind or visually impaired, you can buy one adult Season ticket that enables a companion to travel with you on National Rail services only at no extra cost. It doesn't have to be the same person travelling with you on every journey.
Please take evidence of your visual impairment such as a document from a recognised institution such as Social Services, your Local Authority, The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) or St Dunstans when buying your ticket and making your journey.
These tickets can be bought from staffed National Rail station ticket offices.
Scotland
Scotland has a National Entitlement Card, allowing free and discounted travel within Scotland to Cardholders who are visually impaired or blind.
Cardholders may travel free of charge in Standard Class accommodation (no ticket to be issued) on the following services at any time:-
All train services between stations within Scotland and as far as Carlisle and Berwick upon Tweed, by all operators.
Aberdeenshire Council issue a small number of "Blind Taxicards" to persons who are both blind and physically disabled. These cards will be valid for both local and national journeys.)
Companions
Generally companions are NOT included in this scheme.
However, where a Local Scheme as shown in the following pages includes arrangements for companions this will continue within the area described for each local scheme.
The local authorities who have Companion Schemes are:-
Companions of East Lothian Council Blind Persons cardholders are entitled to travel within the scheme area at a discounted rate.
Companions of Highland Council Blind Persons cardholders will be entitled to travel at a discounted rate both within Highland and from Highland stations to/from Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Further Information
Speak to staff at a local railway station or call national Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50
Senior online community officer
First Class / Standard Anytime Single or Return 34% off
First Class / Standard Anytime Day Single 34% off
First Class / Standard Anytime Day Return 50% off
The first line and the 3rd line seem to contradict each other which I don't understand, however I just got the train to work as usual and as usual had 50% off (without needing a conversation). Its strange how it can be so different for each individual.
Specialist Information Officer - Cerebral Palsy
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Best wishes.
DLTBGYD
Hi everyone. I work for Premier Inn and I am busy creating a UK wide accessibility guide. I understand that those with disabilities love to travel as much as everyone else, but are sometimes let down by places where their needs aren’t catered for. We’re creating a travel guide that enables people with disabilities, and their carers, to plan their ideal adventure.
To create the most useful guide possible, we first need to identify the challenges people face. In so doing we can find solutions to these needs and provide the most relevant, insightful guide possible.I would really appreciate your help, so we can make the UK a more inclusive place.
Thank you so much.
Thanks