Advocacy Information & Advice—Transport

There is some help with transport available for people with mental health problems. Some of the day centres and work centres will reimburse people’s bus fares or arrange to bring people in to the centre by the hospital car service or taxi. How this is done depends on the centre and you should ask at individual centres.

Fares to Hospital

People on certain benefits and holders of low income certificates HC2 are entitled to a refund of essential fares to and from hospital for themselves and their dependants. (see page …)You must use the cheapest means of travel available. This is normally bus, but petrol costs or taxi fares may be paid if there is no public transport or if your disability prevents you using it.

Other people on low income (and their dependants) who hold a certificate HC3 are entitled to a contribution towards their travel costs.

In all cases, apply directly at the hospital for your money. You must prove your entitlement by showing either your certificate or proof of benefit (payment book or award letter).

Railcard

People will not normally qualify for a Disabled Person’s Railcard as a result of mental health problems alone, but you will do so if you receive Disability Living Allowance (Middle or Higher Rate Care Component) or if you receive Severe Disablement Allowance.  The card entitles you to one third of most train fares.

Community/ Voluntary Transport Schemes

There are numerous voluntary car schemes available in the Cambridge City and South Cambs area, and throughout the county. These schemes offer organised lifts to those needing to make essential journeys where no suitable public services exist.  Mental health problems and other kinds of disability are considered possible reasons for public transport being an unsuitable option.  Typical journeys may include GP surgery, dentist, chiropody or optician's appointments, or visiting friends and relatives in hospital. Under special circumstances this may include those attending outpatients medical appointments.

Journeys are usually arranged by telephone, by contacting the scheme closest to you. There will be a set fare which is set by each scheme. You need to book two days in advance. It is important to check the types of journey the schemes may undertake as each scheme sets its own criteria on the purpose of each journey.

For details of your local voluntary car schemes please either look on the website detailed below or contact the Community Transport Officer:

Web:  www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/communitytransport

Community Transport Officer
Cambridgeshire County Council
Passenger Transport Services
Box ET 1015
Shire Hall
Cambridge
CB3 OAP

Tel:  01223 717755
Email: community.transport@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Taxi Card Schemes

These offer a subsidy for taxi travel made by members of their schemes.

Cambridge City Council Taxi Card Scheme
Cambridgeshire City Council
The Guildhall
Cambridge
CB2 3QJ

Tel: 01223 457316

Cambridgeshire County Council also administers the South Cambs Taxi Card Scheme.  Please contact the Community Transport Officer at Cambridgeshire County Council on 01223 717755 for further details.

Concessionary Travel

Concessionary Bus Fare Scheme
The ‘bus pass’ gives you a reduction on all fares on all local bus services throughout England from 1st April 2008. If you have a pass because you are blind or partially sighted then you travel free. To be eligible for a statutory bus pass you must live in the relevant district or area and either have reached the age of 60 (men and women) or are disabled according to a number of eligibility criteria.

Full details of eligibility criteria and how to apply can be obtained from your local city or district council office, or from most local post offices. You can also request an application form and leaflet by contacting one of the following:

Cambridge City Council 

Tel: 01223 457 707

South Cambs District Council

Tel: 08450 450 500.

Railcards

Website: http://www.railcard.co.uk
A number of railcards are available and offer discounts on most rail fares. Information on railcards and how to apply can be found at main railway stations or at the website above.

Transport to Health Services
In some cases, it may be possible to arrange hospital based transport for those unable to use public transport, either because of disability or the nature of treatment received, or you live in an area with no public transport. Discuss with your GP about whether you meet the criteria for hospital transport for your appointment. If this cannot be arranged then it may be possible to get assistance from a voluntary car scheme. Please see details above for more information.

Help with Travel Expenses
Patients using public or private transport to receive NHS treatment may obtain assistance with their travelling expenses if they are in receipt of certain benefits or on low income.

Leaflet H11 outlines who is eligible and how to receive payments. This leaflet is produced by the Department of Health and is available from Social Security Offices, GP’s and NHS Hospitals.

For more information on transport in the locality please contact the Community Transport Officer for a copy of the Cambridgeshire County Council Community Transport Guide.

Accessibility
There is an increasing number of vehicles that have been adapted and modified to make them easier to use. Many buses now have designated seating for disabled passengers and space may be provided for a wheelchair or pushchair. Other taxi and mini bus operators may have accessible vehicles. It is always best to check with the service operator whether accessible vehicles are available on the service you wish to use.

Local Contacts

Shopmobility Schemes

These schemes assist shoppers and are available at locations in Cambridge City Centre.

Cambridge Shopmobility
Shopmobility is a scheme to provide electrically powered scooters, wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs to help people who have limited mobility – through permanent or temporary disablement, illness, accident or age – to shop and use the facilities within Cambridge.  Escorts can also be hired free of charge from Monday – Friday for up to two hours.

Grand Arcade Shopmobility
Tel: 01223 457452
Opening hours: 10am- 4pm Monday- Saturday.

The office can be found at the first turning on the right after entry into the Grand Arcade Car Park (formerly Lion Yard Car Park).

Grafton Centre Shopmobility
Tel: 01223 461858
Opening hours: 10am- 4pm Monday- Saturday and 11am- 5pm Sunday

The office can be found at Level 4 Grafton East Car Park.

Local Bus Services and Operators

Stagecoach
Tel: 01223 423578

Go Whippett
Tel: 01480 463792

Burtons Coaches
Tel: 01440 702257

Huntingdon & District
Tel: 01480 453159

Park and Ride in Cambridge
Services run every 10 minutes into the City Centre, Monday-Saturday from five sites on each of the main roads into Cambridge. Park and Ride services have stops in St. Andrews Street, City Centre and at the Hospital. In addition, the 99 service serves Addenbrookes Hospital. Just park your car at any of the sites and pay the fare on the bus.

General, Local and National Travel Information

National Rail Enquiries
Tel: 08457 48 49 50
Textphone: 0845 60 50 600
Website: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Traveline
Tel: 08712002233 (open 7am- 9pm)
Calls from landlines cost 10p per minute
Website: www.traveline.org.uk

First Capital Connect Assisted Travel Line
Tel: 0800 058 28 44 (free phone)

First Capital Connect Customer Relations
Tel: 0845 026 4700
Email: customer.relations.fcc@firstgroup.com
Open 7 days a week, from 7am- 10pm except Christmas Day