Free travel for carer's

[bushbabe]

Hi is there anyone who can advise whether carer’s can travel for free with adults who have learning disabilities. My sister has had support in her own home for 8 years, and anyone who has supported her has paid their own bus fares, Recently, she asked for her support worker to accompany her, which she did then asked my sister for her bus fare.I was really shocked as my sister doesn’t understand the value of money, and no receipt was given. On the website it states under Subsidised Travel section - Buses and Coaches - If you have a Learning Disability in the UK, you are entitled to a free bus pass, and free travel for your carer.

[frances_is_a_sibling]

Hi @bushbabe I agree, your sister shouldn’t have to pay for her carer’s travel. Can you double check on the local bus company website? Lots of siblings have similar worries to this about their brother or sister’s support - you’re not alone. If you haven’t already come across it, have a look at www.sibs.org.uk - Sibs is the UK charity for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults. Let us know how you get on. All the best, Frances

[margaret.gould]

Hello @bushbabe

I’m from our learning disability helpline service and have some general information about this:

There are different schemes around the country so it depends where you live. The best thing would be to check your local authority website – if you have done this and it’s not clear you could give them a call to find out more. Ask if a professional carer can have subsidised travel when accompanying the person they care for, as well as a family carer.

As a general rule, you might be able to get free or reduced travel if you are travelling with the person you care for to help them get around by bus, train or coach. You may be able to get:

• free or reduced bus travel
• reduced price train tickets with a railcard
• reduced price coach fares.

Check with your local council or local carers service to see if there are any other schemes in your area. For example in Rotherham they have a ‘with carer pass’ – so a carer travelling with you on public transport can travel for free also. The carer must travel at the same time as you, but it does not have to be the same carer each time. Your carer also does not have to be a professional carer or support worker - they could be a friend or relative.

I hope that helps,

Margaret

[bushbabe]

Hi Frances thank you for your reply, after further investigation it seems like a postcode lottery regarding Bus companies and local councils. Some issue Companion passes, whilst other do not! I will definately look on the siblings website you recommended.
Thanks again Bushbabe

[bushbabe]

Hi Margaret thank you for your reply and all the information, it seems after further investigation that some areas have Companion passes, issued to the service user, which allows free travel for an accompanying carer. Sadly this is not the case in Birmingham, so its a postcode lottery senario!! yet another unfair service!
Thank you once again
Best wishes
Bushbabe