Train travel for the disabled
Train travel for the disabled
If you are going to use the trains and you are disabled then here are a few tips that will make train travel easier. Traveling by train can be a daunting process especially if you have never done it before. Do not be frightened. There is always someone who will be only too willing to help, sometimes you won’t even have to ask.
Do not be frightened
Its 2012, I am lucky at the moment I can walk short distances and I can lift my light mobility scooter and put it onto the train. None the less I still prefer to have help.
You will find all the necessary information for National Rail Travel HERE. Buying a ticket, prices, station maps, help for the disabled can all be found on this website. With a little planning and preparation, travelling by train is a realistic option.
Train tickets
It is a very good idea to look at this website, click HERE. Use the website to buy your tickets in advance. If you need assistance then booking in advance is essential. The website shows the different prices and the route. Do not forget to enter your travel card such as Disabled Adult Railcard. You can purchase the tickets on the website and then specify the railway station where you will collect the tickets. I have used this system many times, its simple and straight forward.
Planning
Will your train journey involve using a station where there are steps and no lift? You can find out information about a specific station, click HERE. Just type in the station name, if there are duplicates then select the correct station. A page is shown called ‘Accessability and Disability Access’ provides all the information that you should need.
You must plan in advance
If you in any doubt then look up information about the stations, double check train times. If there are any changes make sure you leave plenty of time. The train will not wait for you. Almost every station has Disabled Parking bays.
London Underground and buses
If you have to use a wheelchair or mobility scooter I would advise you not to use the London Underground unless a lift is available at each end of the journey. Here is a map of the London Underground. There are only a handful of stations in central London with lifts. Even if you do not need a wheelchair but your balance is not good or you cannot walk far then give the Tube system a miss. Squiffy balance and escalators are not a good combination.
London buses are good, though I only use them in central London. There is a program to help you plan a route when travellig around London. I do find it very useful. Just click HERE to use it
Plan ahead
The basic message is to plan ahead when you are using any form of public transport unless you have done the journey several times. If you get totally lost take a taxi but they can work out quite expensive. You can get a mobility scooter into a black cab without disassembling it.
Updated May 2019
If I am disabled and want to come to travel from America, is there any way I can get some sort of assistance like this?
Hello Penny,
To qualify for assistance as a disabled person you need to be registered as disabled within this country. I do not think you would qualify. The rules and regulations are in a constant state of flux, the changes are designed to make it harder and harder to be defined as disabled and the waiting list is several months. I could suggest writing to the Disabiliy Rights UK, http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/contact-us. Good luck!
Personally I think the chances are slim but if you don’t ask you won’t know.
Patrick
just a note to say that periodically I visit your site and find many of your snippets useful.
I have PPMS, diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago and have walkinf difficulties. I presently use a stick and a FES (walkaide). Without this device, I would have major difficulties and I find the walkaide device better than the NHS, although it is private and rather costly.
Regards
Jeff