Travelling independently is a huge challenge not only for your young adult with additional support needs, but also for you too as parents and carers. We understand that it is a big step to be able to let your young adult go in this way. However, it is also important to remember that although this is challenging and daunting, it is a huge achievement for many young adults with additional support needs. It is an important step that can boost their confidence and self-esteem, and pave the path to their independence and a fulfilling life journey.
At Fairway, we will work closely with you and your young adult trying to alleviate some of the anxieties you both may have and develop strategies towards working around the barriers you may encounter.
Who is eligible for free or discounted travel?
Fairway can help your young adult apply for their National Entitlement Card, which may allow them free or discounted travel. Local councils offer eligible disabled people in their area, free local bus travel on any local bus service and scheduled long distance coach services in Scotland throughout the day; there is no charge for the bus pass.
If your young adult has additional support needs and are in receipt of benefits, they may be eligible.
Please see information below and click on the relevant link to see if they qualify:
They receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
They receive the higher/middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance
They receive Attendance Allowance
They live in a care or residential home or hospital and require 24 hour supervision
They hold a Disabled Persons Parking Badge (Blue Badge)
They are profoundly or severely deaf
They have been told not to drive on medical grounds and are over 17 years of age
They have been told not to drive on medical grounds and are under 17 years of age
They suffer from a mental illness, learning disability or personality disorder
They are terminally ill
They suffer from a progressively degenerative disorder
They have suffered a loss of limbs
They are visually impaired
They may also be eligible to companion entitlement, if their mobility is such that they require to be accompanied when travelling, they can apply for a National Entitlement Card containing the companion entitlement to allow a companion to travel free of charge with them for the same journey by bus.
Please click here for further information.
If your young adult does not qualify for free bus travel, they may still qualify for the National Entitlement Card for young people aged 11 to 26. The card has been created by the Scottish Government, Young Scot, your local council, and many other organisations working together so that it is easier for you to use their services across Scotland.
Please click here for further information.
The card will enable young people to get cheaper transport on buses, trains, and ferries. If you are 16, 17 or 18 then you are entitled to:
- One-third off adult single fares on buses all over Scotland
- A free Scottish Youth Railcard, cutting up to one-third off train fares in Scotland
- Two free return ferry journeys to the mainland if you live on an island.
Please click here for further information
Applying for a National Entitlement Card
You can get application forms from Post Offices, Local Authorities, and SPT Travel Centres.
You will need a recent passport-type colour photograph of your young adult, proof of their age or disability, and proof of their current address. Fairway Facilitators can help you with the application form and gathering all the proof you need to apply.
Please click here for further information
So with a free travel pass and new single-decker and double-decker buses designed to be accessible to people with additional support needs, including wheelchair users, travelling for your young adult on their own or with a companion is possible!
Useful links and contacts
www.transportscotland.gov.uk
www.youngscot.org
www.travelinescotland.com/welcome.do
www.givememycard.org/
