The following link is an RNIB overview of concessionary travel: RNIB Travel page
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association provides a service called ‘My Guide’, which helps if you’re feeling less confident about getting around. The service trains volunteers to use sighted-guiding techniques to help you to get to the places you want to go to, with confidence and on your own terms. You may want to learn or re-learn familiar routes to get to the shops, or to maintain your fitness. Training can also be provided for your friends and family to learn simple and safe guiding techniques to help you. For more information, call 0800 953 0113, email myguide@guidedogs.org.uk or follow the link to the Guide Dogs website Guide Dogs
Free bus travel
If you’re registered as severely sight impaired, sight impaired, or have a CVI, then you are entitled to a concessionary disabled person’s bus pass. This enables you to travel anywhere in England, but there are time restrictions on when you can travel. To apply contact your council.
If you are disabled (see below for details of which disabilities apply), live in Tyne and Wear and have a Concessionary Travel Pass, you can travel on buses for free.
Metro journeys are not free of charge but you can avoid paying full fares after 9.30am by buying a Metro Gold Card. Metro Gold Cards can only be used with a valid CT Pass. They are also valid on the Shields Ferry and rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland.
Am I eligible for a CT Pass?
Everyone applying for the Concessionary Travel Scheme on grounds of disability has to be initially assessed by the Social Services department of their Local Authority. You should, therefore, contact them for advice on what you need to take with you.
Telephone number is: Newcastle – 0191 278 8100
If you are eligible for a Concessionary Travel Pass, you will be given a Confirmation of Eligibility form.
Further information regarding the definition of these criteria is available from Social Services. The following is a link to the website Newcastle City Council CTP
With a CT Pass you can travel:
- Free of charge on buses in Tyne and Wear from 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
- Free anywhere else in England on local buses, between 9.30am and 11.00pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
- For 60p on the Shields Ferry from 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and on public holidays.
- For 50p on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Metrocentre/Blaydon, from 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
Please note that there are no discounted fares on Metro, or on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland, for Concessionary Travel Pass holders. However, you can have unlimited travel on Metro, on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland and also the Shields Ferry if you buy a Metro Gold Card.
If you have an All Day pass, you will be able to travel on buses in Tyne and Wear free of charge all day, for 60p per trip at any time on the Shields Ferry and for 50p on rail services between Newcastle and Metrocentre/Blaydon. Please note that your pass does not entitle you to all day travel outside Tyne and Wear.
If you need to travel before 9.30am in order to get to or from a hospital appointment, just show your hospital appointment card or letter with your CT Pass when requested. Please note that this only applies to journeys starting in Tyne and Wear.
Blue Badges
A Blue Badge may enable the person driving you to park in a disabled bay, on the street, or in car parks. If you’re registered as severely sight impaired, then you qualify automatically. If you’re sight impaired, you will need to be assessed. In many places, there will be no charge to park. To apply contact your council.
Disabled Person’s Railcard
If you’re registered as severely sight impaired or sight impaired you’re entitled to a Disabled Person’s Railcard that enables you, and another person travelling with you, to get 1/3 off ticket prices. You do have to pay for a disabled person’s railcard. To apply telephone 0345 605 0525 or go to www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk
Travel Assistance
Rail companies provide help with planning your journey. They can go through ticket options and arrange the assistance you need when you travel. This includes having staff to meet you upon arrival. There are several ways that you can book travel assistance.
Call National Rail Enquiries on 0345 748 4950, or go to www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk You can also speak to the staff in person at any staffed train station.
Airline companies also provide travel assistance. Contact the airline directly for more information.
More Information :
Summary of your rights
Mencap has this excellent simple summary
Air travel – these are new guidelines for supporting visually impaired people
Making transport more accessible
If you are interested in making transport more accessible go to our North East Action on Transport group page