Travel Alternatives London Borough of Hounslow
1. Door-to-door Services Hounslow Taxi Card Taxicards enable people with serious mobility needs to travel in black cabs at reduced fares. You automatically qualify for a Taxicard if you: - receive the higher rate mobility component of the Disabled Living Allowance - receive the higher rate of Attendance Allowance - receive the war pension mobility supplement - are registered blind or severely sight impaired. You may also qualify for a Taxicard if you have a permanent disability or health condition that makes using public transport very difficult or impossible. You will need to demonstrate that you are on a lower income before your application will be assessed. Contact Information For more information on eligibility and to apply call 020 7934 9791 or email taxicard@londoncouncils.gov.uk Dial a Ride Dial a Ride is available if you are disabled and can't use public transport. It's free, door-to-door, and great for getting out and about. You are automatically eligible to become a Dial a Ride member if you are: - A Taxi Card member - Getting the higher rate component of Disability Living Allowance - Registered blind or partially sighted - Aged 85 or over - Getting a higher rate Attendance Allowance
- Getting a War Pension Mobility Supplement If none of the above apply to you, you may still be able to join Dial a Ride but you will need to undergo a paper-based mobility assessment to establish your eligibility for the service You can use Dial a Ride for: Shopping Visiting friends and family Travelling to recreational activities such as the theatre Dial a Ride can not be used for: Hospital appointments Getting to and from work Travelling from council day centres School You can apply for Dial a Ride membership if you are a permanent or temporary resident of the London borough To register for dial-a-ride or to make a booking please contact 0845 999 1 999 or 020 7309 8900 http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/3222.aspx 2. Public transport Freedom Pass The Freedom Pass is provided by local councils and entitles older and disabled people to free travel on almost all public transport in London The Freedom Pass can be used on: - Almost all local bus routes and many other bus services across England - All underground, overground and DLR services - Most local rail services in London (at specified times) - All London trams - Provides a 50% discount on river services (at specified times)
You are eligible for a Freedom Pass if: Your principal residence is in London You were born on or before 5 April 1950 OR You have an eligible disability For more information please visit: http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedompass/ Telephone: 0845 275 7054 Disabled Persons Railcard Costs 20 a year, for an individual and their companion Entitles users to a third off most rail travel Rail tickets with up to a third off. Visit: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk Tel: 0845 605 0525 National Rail Assisted Travel When travelling by National Rail, you can request assistance with getting on or off a train or ask for a wheelchair ramp. You can also ask for assistance if you are visually impaired.contact the train company you are travelling with for details. Visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/disabled_passengers Travel Mentoring Service This service provides free advice on planning a journey using an accessible route. You can also request a mentor to accompany you on your first few journeys to help you gain confidence to travel independently. Visit: www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/dialaride/travelassistance.asp Tel: 020 3054 4361
3. Work, Hospital and Medical Appointments Access to Work The scheme may pay towards the cost of getting to work if you cannot use public transport. For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk and search access to work Tel: 020 8426 3110 Hospital and medical appointments Contact your hospital or GP surgery if you are having trouble arranging transport to get to an appointment. You may be entitled to financial or practical assistance. Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme You may be able to claim the cost of travelling to hospital to receive NHS treatment. For more information: Visit www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/healthcosts/pages/travelcosts.aspx Tel: 0845 850 1166 4. Using a Mobility Car/scooter Motability Wheelchair and Scooter Loan Scheme The Mobility Scooter Loan schemes enables you to get a scooter or powered wheelchair of your choice The scheme also provides help and support. For more information: Please visit: www.motability.co.uk Telephone: 0845 456 4566 (8.30am till 5.30pm Monday - Friday)
Motability Car Lease Scheme Individuals in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, can get a new mobility car at an affordable rate. For more information: Please visit: www.motability.co.uk Telephone: 0845 456 4566 (8.30am till 5.30pm Monday - Friday) Hounslow Shopmobility Hounslow Shopmobility is a service that hires out battery-powered scooters, power chairs and manual wheelchairs to enable people to independently do their shopping and make visits in central Hounslow. The Shopmobility office provides full training on how to operate the mobility vehicles The service is available to anyone with mobility problems who is living, working or visiting the London Borough of Hounslow There is an annual membership fee of 8 plus a small hire fee ( 1 for members, 2 for non-members) for daily use Shopmobility is located in the underground car park below Asda in the Blenheim Centre in central Hounslow For more information contact 020 8570 3343 or shopmobility@hounslowct.org.uk