Having a disability is no hindrance to travelling and enjoying a day out by train in United Kindom. The rail companies readily provide assistance for disabled travellers. There are several schemes available, allowing disabled travellers and companions to travel not only in comfort, but to save money as well.
Disabled Person’s Railcard
In England, Scotland and Wales the Disabled Person’s Railcard offers a reduction of a third off most fares; an accompanying friend, receives the same discount. The discount for two people can result in large savings for just one journey.
The card is not expensive for regular travellers. One year and three year cards are available. The current prices, as of May 2010, are £18 for a one year card and £48 for the three year version. Two people booking a journey costing £27 each will save the cost of an annual card in just one journey.
The entitlement criteria for a railcard are various and a full list is available from the website. However, people who are registered blind or deaf, including using a hearing aid, people with epilepsy who are unable to drive and people receiving certain disability benefits are all able to apply for a card, providing they have the necessary evidence.
Save Money on Hotels Worldwide
Holding a Disabled Person’s Railcard not only entitles the user to discounted rail travel, but several other opportunities for saving money are on offer. Current railcard offers include reduced prices on hotel stays throughout United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East at Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express Hotels. Short break discounts are also available at Ramada Jarvis hotels.
Cheaper Food in Railway Stations and London 2 for 1
Offers available nationally, not just to railcard holders are Bite Card and London 2 for 1. The Bite Card is free, and offers savings of 20% on food and drink purchased from various station refreshment facilities; including well known names such as Burger King, Upper Crust and Caffè Ritazza. London 2 for 1 gives discount entry on places of interest, as well as cheap deals at restaurants and hotels. Many places of interest offer reduced prices for some disabled visitors and companions, but everyone should find something useful among the range of discounts available.
Cheap Rail Travel Without a Rail Card
Rail discounts are available for non-holders of a disabled persons railcard, who are blind or visually impaired passengers and for passengers who need to stay in their wheelchair. For blind and visually impaired these concessions only apply to the passenger and their companion. They are not valid for blind and visually impaired passengers travelling alone. Evidence may be required from a reputable source, such as Social Services or RNIB.
Season Tickets for Blind and Visually Impaired
Blind and visually impaired can purchase an adult season ticket, allowing a companion to travel free of charge. The companion does not always have to be the same person. As season tickets are not valid with a Disabled Person’s Railcard, this can often work out cheaper for regular journeys. The season tickets are available from a National Rail ticket office, and evidence of impairment is required.
Up to 50% Cheaper Rail Travel for Wheelchair Users and Companions
Where a passenger needs to travel in their wheelchair, a companion can travel with them for the same price or a wheelchair passenger can travel alone. The discounts for disabled travellers without a railcard range from 34% to 50% in standard and first class.
Disabled people travelling by train have many opportunities to enjoy, not only cut price travel, but also cheaper accommodation, cheaper entrance fees and cheaper food. A great way to ensure an enjoyable day out or holiday is had by all.
Denise Oyston - I am a Further Education Lecturer, specialising in IT. I am interested in basic skills teaching, especially literacy and numeracy as well ...
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