The Mobility Travel Pass

The Mobility Travel Pass

A Mobility Travel Pass entitles you to travel on all buses, trams and trains in South Yorkshire, at any time (except on late night train services) for free. You can also travel at non peak times on local buses across England, see 'Where can I use my Mobility Travel Pass?' below.

Doncaster Council deals with applications for a Mobility Travel Pass on behalf of South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

Will I Qualify for a Pass?

You will qualify for a Mobility Travel Pass if you live in Doncaster and you meet any of the following conditions:

• You have a disability or injury which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk

• You have a learning disability

• You have been or would be refused a driving licence on medical grounds (other than on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs and/or alcohol)

• You are deaf or without speech

• You do not have arms or have long-term loss of the use of your arms

• You are registered blind or partially-sighted

• You receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance

• You receive a war pensioner's mobility supplement

• You have been issued a Blue Badge parking permit

If you are aged 65 or over, unless you are registered blind or partially-sighted or need the 'With Carer' Pass (see below), you cannot have a Mobility Travel Pass. Instead you must apply for a Senior Citizens English National Concession Pass. You can use a Senior Citizens English National Concession Pass from 9am Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays. These passes are available from the qualifying age for State Pension Credit. This was 60 years old until 5 April 2010, but from 6 April 2010 it is gradually increasing to 65 years. For more information about Senior Citizens English National Concession Passes, contact Traveline on 01709 515151 or visit www.travelsouthyorkshire.com

There is no lower age limit to apply for a Mobility Travel Pass.

The 'With Carer' Pass

If you qualify for a Mobility Travel Pass (because you meet the conditions above) and you also meet an extra condition, a carer can also travel with you free of charge within South Yorkshire. This is called a 'With Carer' Pass.

The extra condition you must meet is that you are in receipt of the Higher Rate Care Component of Disability Living Allowance or Higher Rate Attendance Allowance. We will need proof of the Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance as well as any proof of the conditions you meet for an ordinary Mobility Travel Pass.

If you already have a Mobility Travel Pass and you want to apply for a ‘With Carer’ Pass, please contact us and provide proof of the Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance. We will then send you a letter confirming that you qualify for a ‘With Carer’ Pass. You take this letter to a Travel South Yorkshire Information Centre who will arrange for a Pass to be sent to you by post.  You can continue using your ordinary Mobility Travel Pass whilst you are waiting for your new ‘With Carer’ Pass.

Please note the ‘carer’ has to be travelling with you to travel free but does not have to be the same person every time you travel. The title 'carer' is used to cover anyone helping you to travel and can be for example, a relative, friend, support worker or professional carer.

Where can I use my Mobility Travel Pass?

You can use your Mobility Travel Pass on all buses, trams and local train services (standard class travel) within South Yorkshire, except late night services.

You must pay the appropriate ordinary fare for any part of a tram or train journey that is outside South Yorkshire. If you board the train at a staffed station, you must buy your ticket before boarding.

You (and a carer if you qualify for the 'With Carer' Pass) can also travel for free on any off peak local bus journey in England. Off peak is from 9.30am to 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends or bank holidays.

How do I apply for a Mobility Travel Pass?

If you think you might be entitled to a Mobility Travel Pass, you should fill in an application form. The form is attached to this page so you can print one off and there is a large print version of the form if you prefer. If you need help to fill in an application form and have no one else to help you, please contact us by phoning 01302 735336 or call into our office at Colonnades House.

When you apply, you may also need to include proof of your disability. The application form tells you what proof we need.

Part 5 of the application form refers to a 'Request for Medical Information' form. This is also attached to the page so you can print one off and again, there is a large print version if you prefer.

Once we have all the information we need, we will write to you and let you know whether you are entitled to a Mobility Travel Pass. If you are entitled, you then take our letter to the Travel South Yorkshire Information Office on First Floor, Frenchgate Centre, Doncaster. You will also need to take proof of your age (for example, birth certificate, passport or medical card) and proof of your address (for example, medical card, driving licence, gas bill, electricity bill or Council Tax bill).  Your photograph will be taken free of charge. The Travel Information Centre will then arrange for a Mobility Travel Pass to be posted to you, normally within 7 working days.

This scheme is operated by all of the authorities in South Yorkshire. If you live in Barnsley, Rotherham or Sheffield you should contact your local council.

How long does the Pass last?

Your Mobility Travel Pass normally lasts for up to five years or until you reach 65 whichever comes first. However, if you are blind or partially sighted or continue to meet the conditions for a pass and you need a carer to travel with you, your Mobility Travel Pass will be issued ‘for life’. Passes can also be awarded for more than five years (but will still end at 65) depending on the medical/ disability reasons for qualifying for a pass and each application will be considered for this.

Your Mobility Travel Pass can be renewed, if you are under 65, up to a month before it runs out. The expiry date will be shown on the front of the pass. You will need to complete a new application form and provide proof of your disability again to have your pass renewed.

What if I lose my Mobility Travel Pass?

If you lose your Mobility Travel Pass you should contact Travel South Yorkshire at the 1st Floor Frenchgate Centre Office. A £5 charge is made for issuing a replacement pass.

You should also contact Travel South Yorkshire if your pass is stolen, damaged or your address details change. There is usually no charge for these.

Further details can be obtained from 'Traveline' on Rotherham (01709) 515151, or from any Travel South Yorkshire Information Centre.