Travelling by public transport

Living with a brain tumour may mean you’re more reliant on public transport. Learn more about the support that’s available to you when using these services.

Receiving a brain tumour diagnosis may affect your ability to travel, either due to limitations related to treatments, medication or the tumour itself. For example, it’s very common for those living with a brain tumour to have to give up their driving licence.

Unfortunately, the side-effects of your tumour and its treatments can also affect your ability to use public transport. The financial pressures often experienced by those living with a brain tumour may be worsened by the additional cost of regularly travelling by public transport.

Here we give an overview of some of the support available to those with a brain tumour diagnosis, including reduced fares and practical assistance.

Travelling by bus

Disabled person’s bus pass

You may be entitled to a disabled person’s bus pass if:

• you’ve had to surrender your driving licence, or had it revoked, because of your brain tumour, and you’re not going to be able to drive for at least 12 months

You may also be entitled if, as a result of your brain tumour, you:

• are blind or partially sighted
• are profoundly or severely deaf
• can’t speak
• have severe, long-term difficulty walking
• can’t move both arms.

A disabled person’s bus pass generally gives free travel in off-peak times (9.30am-11.00pm). In some areas you can also use your pass outside of these times if you’re travelling in the area where your pass was issued. Some local authorities also allow you to use your pass on community transport services

Some authorities also include companion passes for assistants, carers or parents, although these can usually only be used in the area that issued it or accepts a companion pass from another local authority.

You can find out more information about what’s available in your area and how you can apply by contacting your local council.

Assistance for bus travel

Most bus operators provide accessible services, for example easy-access low floors or audio “next-stop” announcements.

Some operators also provide Journey Assistance Cards that can be used to let the driver know if you:

• have limited sight or hearing
• have difficulty communicating
• need extra time or help to find a seat.

Contact your local bus operator to see what assistance is available in your area.

Travelling by coach

There isn’t a national concessions scheme at present, but some coach operators do offer discounts for people who are registered as disabled.

Most coaches have a wheelchair lift, but it’s best to check with your coach operator at least 36 hours before you travel to ensure your model of wheelchair will fit in their wheelchair spaces.

Travelling by tram or light railway

Concessionary and discounted fares are available for disabled passengers travelling by tram or light railway. Many operators also offer help with journey planning and making a booking. 

Most tram and light railway services have been developed relatively recently and have high levels of accessibility. Audible and visible announcements, giving information about the final destination and the next stop, are currently available on all trams. 

Contact your operator or local authority for more details.

Travelling by taxi

Taxicards

Many councils run a Taxicard scheme to help people who live in their council area pay for taxi journeys if they:

• have serious mobility issues
• are severely sight impaired
• have difficulty using public transport

You may also need to be on certain benefits to be eligible.

Contact your local council to see if they run a Taxicard scheme, find out if you qualify and how to apply.

Access to Work grants

You may also be able to apply for an Access to Work grant to pay for taxi fares to work.

Travelling by train

Disabled Persons Railcard

If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult, you may qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard. This allows you to get a third off most rail fares when travelling in Great Britain, no matter when you travel. Additionally, if you’re travelling with another adult, they may also be entitled to a third off their rail fare.

If you travel in London and use an Oyster card, you can register your discount onto the Oyster card and get one third off pay as you go single fares and daily caps on trains, underground and Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Restrictions apply to any accompanying person.

Passenger Assist

If you need assistance when travelling by train, this can be booked through National Rail’s Passenger Assist, even if you’re travelling with someone else. You can book assistance 24-hours a day using the same freephone number (0800 022 3720) for travel with any train operator. 

Tell them your planned journey and they’ll connect you to the appropriate operator, who can arrange for someone to: 

• meet you at the station entrance or meeting point 
• help you navigate around the station and accompany you to your train 
• help you on and off the train 
• provide a ramp on and off your train
• meet you from your train and take you to your next train or the exit 
• carry your bag - up to 3 items of luggage (limits apply). 

Stations Made Easy 

Stations Made Easy is an interactive online tool that's built into the National Rail Enquiries website to help people find their way around stations and, if possible, avoid potentially difficult features, such as stairs, to find a more suitable route.

Detailed accessibility information is available for every station, as well as a map that includes extensive descriptions and photographs of the facilities.

Community transport

Many areas also have community transport services for people who have difficulty using public transport, either through disability issues or because they live in a rural area.

These include door-to-door transport, such as various Dial-a-Ride schemes, trips to shopping centres, such as Shopmobility, and many other services.

Find out more information about the services available in your area by contacting your local council or the Community Transport Association.

Getting around London

London Freedom Pass

You may also be eligible for a Freedom Pass provided by your London borough council. This offers free travel on the Transport for London network at all times. Carers aren’t eligible for at a Freedom Pass, but may be able to apply for the Taxicard scheme.

"Please offer me a seat" cards

If you struggle to stand while using public transport, Transport for London have a free badge and card to help you alert fellow customers that you need a seat.

Tips for using public transport

You can find more tips on getting around using public transport in our Tips for Travelling blog post.

Planning your journey helps to make it easier

Planning your trip in advance can often mean a less stressful experience.

Your local council and public transport operators will be able to give you more information about the accessibility services they provide to help you travel independently and safely. 

Using one of the many travel planning apps can make sure you spend less time waiting for the next bus or train.

Get a radar key

You can get a Radar NKS key to unlock accessible toilets in bus and train stations, shopping centres, pubs, cafés, department stores and other public locations. The key costs £4.50 and you can order one by calling Disability Rights UK on 020 7250 8191.

Concessionary train travel in Wales

If you have a concessionary bus pass from a Welsh local authority, you can also travel for free on some trains in Wales.

Help with the cost of travelling to hospital appointments

You may also be able to get help with the cost of travelling to hospital appointments.