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Disability Information Service Transport Services

Find out about information for disability transport services

Contents

  • About this information
  • Public Transport
  • Ambulance Services 
  • Concessionary Fare Schemes 
  • Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Services 
  • Community and Voluntary Transport 
  • Private Accessible Vehicle Hire Services 
  • Transport to Hospital 

About this information

This is one of a series of regularly updated local information sheets that aim to meet the most common information needs of people with disabilities and carers in Torbay.

Where possible, we try to keep our information up to date. However, we cannot guarantee that all our information is constantly up to date - details change often and there may be changes to services of which we are not aware. If you know of a change to any of the services listed, please advise us of this so that we can amend the details.

The information should be used as a guide only, as it may not cover all the organisations that can help with your needs. Torbay Disability Information Service (part of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust) cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information, or the quality of service provided by the organisations. No liability can be accepted for loss, damage, or injury arising out of any contract made by a private individual with any of the organisations listed.

Details change often, so please make sure you are using the current edition. Latest copies of the sheets are published on the NHS Disability Information sheets page

If you do not have Internet access, you can ask for single copies from our office.

A full list of our other information sheet titles can be found on the downloadable document at the bottom of this page.

Information can be made available in other formats and languages. Please let us know what your needs are.

Torbay Disability Information Service

  • Address: 4th Floor, Union House, Union Street, Torquay, TQ1 3YA
  • Telephone: 0300 456 8373 Email: dis.torbay@nhs.net

Public Transport

Accessible Buses

Most Stagecoach Devon buses are low floor and wheelchair accessible.

Journey Assistance Cards and Access Schemes Standard Journey Assistance Cards are available for those who need a bit more help when using the bus. They are designed to make it easier for you to let your bus driver know what extra help you need and can be used at any time of the day, 7 days a week on any bus service. You can apply for a Card if you have:

  • Limited vision or hearing
  • Difficulty in communicating.
  • Special educational needs

or if:

  • English is not your first language.
  • You need extra time or help to find a seat.

To apply, or for further information, contact the Journey Assistance cards page on the Stagecoach website or contact Stagecoach South West Customer Experience Team on 01392 427711 or you can email them 

Devon Access Wallet Scheme

If you live in the Devon County Council area you may also be interested in the above scheme. The access wallet is a bright orange wallet that contains information about the help that the person travelling needs to show to transport staff. The wallet can be used on Devon bus services and Great Western Railway train services.

For further information visit www.traveldevon.info/accessibility/devon-access-wallet or contact Devon County Council Transport Co-ordination Service on 01392 382123 or accesswallet@devon.gov.uk

Mobility Scooter Permit Scheme

Some smaller mobility scooters can be taken on low-floor buses.
For further advice, contact the Stagecoach South West
Customer Experience Team on (01392) 427711. Find out more about the Scheme

Changes in age eligibility for concessionary travel

To check the date on which you will become eligible for a bus pass by reason of age
For further information visit concessionary fares and apply for an elderly person bus pass webpages or contact Torbay Council’s Concessionary Fares on 01803 207766 or email buspass@torbay.gov.uk Applications should be sent to:

Concessionary Fares,
Town Hall,
Castle Circus,
Torquay
TQ1 3DR

Stagecoach Discount Tickets and Services

Visit the Stagecoach Bus website for further details.

Stations Made Easy

An interactive website guide within the National Rail Enquiries website that is designed to help people with disabilities to plan their railway journey.

To access Stations Made Easy, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk, select ‘Stations and Destinations’, then select the station that you want to know about and click on the Stations made Easy feature.

Traveline

Telephone: 0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 12p per minute), text 84268
Website: www.traveline.info

Traveline is a public transport information service, which gives information on journey planning and timetables. Call centre staff can also help with travel for people with disabilities, lost property, complaints, fares and concessionary fares information. However, this may involve giving callers a different number to contact for further information.

Concessionary Fare Schemes

National Bus Pass

Torbay Council Concessionary Fares Team
Telephone: 01803 207766
Email: buspass@torbay.gov.uk
Website: www.torbay.gov.uk/roads/travel/bus-pass/

Pass giving free travel on local bus services anywhere in England. It can be used in Torbay during the off-peak times of 9.30 am to 11.00 pm on weekdays and at any time during weekends and Bank Holidays.

A pass is available to people who have reached the female state pension age (whether they are a man or a woman). A pass is also available to anyone over 5-years-old who has a disability that is permanent or long-term (likely to last for more than a year).

For full details, please refer to disabled bus pass webpage

To apply for a pass visit Apply for a bus pass or contact the Concessionary Fares Team on 01803 207766 for further details.

National Rail

The Disabled Persons Railcard allows a disabled person and an adult travelling with them to get a third off most fares. If you are 60 years old or over you can apply for a Senior Railcard, which provides a discount of a third off Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance rail fares throughout Britain.

NB.You can find Information about rail travel schemes at local railway stations in Paignton and Torquay

Tolls

Disabled people may not have to pay the full fare at some river crossings, bridges and tunnels. In most cases you have to apply in advance to get a concession.

Mobility Pass Smartcards are available for travellers with disabilities who use Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry - these entitle the holder to use the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry free of charge up to 100 times a year. For details of toll concessions in other areas, call providers direct or refer to the GOV.UK website 

NB. Toll concessions can change – it is advisable to check before you travel.

Ambulance Services

Please note that this section gives details of ambulance services, where ambulances are available locally. For ambulance services in other areas of Devon, visit Professional Ambulance Services

Devon EMS Ambulance and First Aid Services

CQC registered patient transport service provided by Devon Ambulance and First Aid Services CIC. The service has double crewed ambulance crew plus single crewed wheelchair ambulance/car. All crew have appropriate PTS training. The service has a few wheelchair accessible, and stretcher carrying vehicles and offers patient transport (to hospital, GP and dental appointments, etc.) in a single crewed car (which can be wheelchair accessible) or an ambulance-based transfer service which may be local or over a longer distance.

First Care Ambulance Ltd

CQC registered ambulance service offering a range of services, including non-emergency patient transport. All staff have enhanced DBS checks prior to employment and renewed as per company policy. Operates across the county (including Torbay) and nationwide and operates a 24/7 Monday to Sunday service.

South West Region St John Ambulance - Patient Transport

  • Head Office: St John Ambulance, St. John House, 5 Broadfield Close, Sheffield, S8 0XN
  • Telephone: 0370 0104 950
  • Website: www.sja.org.uk

CQC registered service offering a range of transport solutions, tailored to meet patient needs. Costs are based on mileage. Quotes given when enquiring about transport.

Wheelchair-accessible Taxi Services

Note: for assistance with travel to your G.P. surgery, please contact your surgery’s patient support group, if it has one.

Brixham Taxis

Operates one 6-seater wheelchair-accessible vehicle, which can carry electric wheelchairs and scooters. It is adapted with ramps and wide doorways. All drivers are DBS (previously CRB) checked. Booking service is available each day until 1 am. The wheelchair accessible taxi can be booked for local journeys. Advance booking is needed.

RTK A1 Mobility Cars

Operates 2 wheelchair-accessible vehicles, each of which can carry 1 wheelchair and 2 passengers. Taxis can carry electric and manual wheelchairs and scooters. They are adapted with hydraulic lifts, ramps, wide doorways, wheelchair clamps and sliding equipment. All drivers are DBS (previously CRB) checked.

Booking service is available 24/7. Wheelchair accessible taxis can be booked for any time. Taxis can be booked for short or long distances.

The Wheelchair Taxi Company

Operates 6 wheelchair-accessible taxis, which are able to carry from 1 wheelchair and 2 passengers to 2 wheelchairs and 6 passengers. Taxis can carry electric and manual wheelchairs and scooters. They are adapted with hydraulic lifts, ramps, wide doorways, wheelchair clamps and sliding equipment. All drivers are DBS (previously CRB) checked. Booking service is available from Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. Availability outside these hours requires advance notice but cannot be guaranteed. Taxis can be booked for short or long distances.

Community and Voluntary Transport

Please note that there is no organisation offering free door to door transport in Torbay.

Car Sharing Schemes

Carshare Devon; Liftshare

Part of the national Liftshare network, Carshare Devon offers a free online service that links drivers and passengers to share car journeys. Car share to work, school, the shops or leisure trips anywhere in Devon and beyond. You don’t have to own a car to take part.

Voluntary Groups

Karing Voluntary Group

Charity that provides a range of services for older people and people with disabilities in Torbay, including transport to medical appointments.

NB. Transport is not wheelchair accessible (although a wheelchair may be carried in the car boot) and help to get in and out of the car is not available as transport is provided by volunteers.

Newton Abbot Community Transport (includes Shopmobility)

Provides a range of transport options, particularly for less mobile people. Please contact Newton Abbot CTA for more details.

Private Accessible Vehicle Hire Services

Self-Drive

Adapted Vehicle Hire Ltd.

Provides adapted vehicles for disabled drivers, including road tax and licence fees, theft cover (excess may apply), unlimited mileage and breakdown cover.

Brotherwood Automobility Ltd.

Converted wheelchair-accessible vehicles available for short or long-term hire. Vehicles can be collected from the factory in Beer Hackett, Dorset or delivered at an extra cost – contact service for details.

GM Coachwork Group

GM Coachwork has a few used wheelchair accessible vehicles for hire (under its GM Select brand), available from 3 days upwards.

Hire with Driver

Torbay Minibuses

Minibus hire service for people with disabilities, providing a vehicle and driver. All drivers are DBS (previously CRB) checked. Offers escorted trips and excursions. Service can be provided at any time, but please note that journeys need to be pre-booked.

Transport to Hospital

NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme

Under this Scheme, patients on certain benefits may be able to receive help with travel costs. In most cases you are expected to pay for your travel and claim back the costs from the hospital cashier - you will need to show your travel receipts, appointment letter and proof of benefits. Advance payments can be applied for if needed. Claims can be made up to 3 months after the appointment by using the form HC5(T), available on the NHS website or from hospitals or Jobcentre Plus offices. You can also request a copy by calling 0300 123 0849. For help with the form call 0300 330 1343. Help with costs is available to patients who meet the criteria, regardless of where treatment is given. Qualifying benefits: Income Support, income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, income related Employment and Support Allowance, Tax Credits, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and Universal Credit (if criteria met).

Patients on very low incomes may also qualify for help via the NHS Low Income Scheme. For details, see HC1, ‘Help with Health Costs’, available on the NHS website or call the helpline on 0300 330 1343.

Patient Transport Service – Hospital Car Service