By rail
Special assistance for people with limited mobility is available
at railway stations, but you will need to give 24 hours notice to
the stations you are using. Trains now have more space for wheelchairs
and accessible toilets. Contact the train company you are travelling
with in advance to see what they can organise for you. National
Rail Enquiries (08457 484950) should be able to give you the number
of the local train company).
You may be entitled to a disabled person's railcard, which gives
a disabled person and an adult travelling companion a discount on
their tickets.
When booking assistance for rail travel, it is useful to give the
following information:
- date of travel and departure time of the train if known
- destination station and, if known, any intermediate stations where
a change of train is necessary
- nature of disability
- means of transport to and from departure and arrival stations
eg taxi, private car and whether someone is meeting you at your
destination
- whether you will be travelling alone or with a companion
- whether a wheelchair will be required at the departure and arrival
stations
- any other details to assist railway staff or which you wish to
clarify.
By coach
National coach companies can also offer special assistance. You need
to reserve this service when you book.
By air
Airports run special assistance schemes which provide:
- help to find seating in waiting areas
- disabled toilets
- assistance getting on and off aircraft with lifts
- access to wheelchair or motorised buggy, for people who cannot
walk distances.
Additional help
For more information on travel options, contact Tripscope,
www.tripscope.org.uk
a charity that provides information about travel for people with mobility
problems. It can help you plan your transport. Contact their helpline.
Tel: 08457 585641
