Getting around on public transport with MS can be daunting. There are government regulations to support accessible travel for people with disabilities, but you might find situations where the travel provider is not aware of their responsibilities or able to meet your needs.
You may find it helps your confidence to understand your options and plan ahead for journeys by rail, bus, coach or tram. However, it should also be possible to travel at short notice too. You may want to leave plenty of time to allow for breaks or rest time, getting around stations and onto vehicles, and dealing with unexpected barriers or delays.
Our report, Life changing: Getting around with MS looks at the barriers faced by people with MS in travel and transport outside the home. In the podcast video below, our guests discuss tips they use to make public transport easier.
All licensed train and station operators are required to have an accessible travel policy (ATP). This should set out the level of services and facilities that disabled passengers can expect, how to get assistance and how to get help if things do go wrong.
The assistance offered by each operator varies slightly but there are some basics that they all should be doing. Train operators must provide up to date information about the accessibility of their facilities and services, timetables, fares, connections, delays and disruption. Where possible, stations should have clear audible and visible information on train departures.
Many rail companies will prefer you to book passenger assistance in advance, should you need help boarding trains or navigating around the station. You can use the National Rail booking service to request assistance in advance.
This service should be provided at all stations for the whole time when trains are scheduled to serve the station, and the train company must make sure they have staff to provide services that have been booked. The station staff should also provide assistance even if this has not been booked in advance, depending on conditions at the time of travel and staff availability.
Not all train stations are accessible for wheelchair or disabled access. You can find information on accessibility and the provision of lifts to the platform for each station on the National Rail website. If a station is inaccessible, the rail company must provide an appropriate alternative service to the next, most convenient, accessible station free of charge.
Train operators must make their policy clear about whether they are able to allow scooters onboard. This may be restricted on busy services.
All train companies should recognise and accept the disabled person’s railcard (DPRC). If you’re eligible for a DPRC you can get up to a third off adult rail tickets by applying for a disabled person’s railcard . You will need to provide evidence of a relevant disability.
If you are a wheelchair user, you do not need to have a railcard to travel. You can get discounted rail travel when you buy your ticket in person or in advance. One adult companion can also receive the discount when they travel with you.
The law says bus and coach drivers must give reasonable assistance to disabled people. This could include helping them get on and off the bus or coach, but it doesn’t mean physically lifting passengers or heavy mobility equipment. If you will need help to get on and off a coach, you should ask for this when you book your ticket.
Disabled Person's Bus Pass
If you are disabled, you can apply for a concessionary travel pass to enable you to travel for free on bus services. The scheme is administered at a local level, which means that there can be variation between regions in terms of the eligibility criteria and the services that you can access. In many cases, if you need to have a companion with you, they can also travel free. Your companion will need to apply for their own card.
In Scotland, you contact your local authority to apply for a National Entitlement Card, which will allow you free travel on most local and long distance bus services in Scotland. The card can also be used on ferry services. Transport Scotland has now amended its criteria for people with MS, following an intervention by the MS Trust. Your application for a National Entitlement Card can now be supported by a letter from your MS Nurse instead of your neurologist. You can apply for a disabled persons bus pass at mygov.scot.
In England, you apply through your local council (Find your local council in England) for a disabled person's bus pass. This can normally only be used at weekends and off-peak hours, although this varies around the country. For more information, see transport and travel information in England - GOV.UK.
In Wales, contact your local authority to apply for a Concessionary Travel Pass, which will allow you free travel on bus journeys throughout Wales. For information on applying and the terms under which you might be eligible, visit apply for a bus pass - gov.wales. These Concessionary Travel Passes are also valid on some train routes. You can see the list of train routes on Transport for Wales. Some are not valid during school terms.
In Northern Ireland, you may be able to get a half fare Smart Pass for bus or train travel, but only if you receive the mobility component of DLA or PIP, or if you have had your driving licence revoked on medical grounds. Not all transport companies are part of this scheme. For more information, see free bus travel and concessions - nidirect.gov. You will also find other travel information for those with limited mobility in Northern Ireland.
Other accessible transport
Trains and buses are the most common forms of public transport, but you may have trams, light rail, or other transport systems in your area. The general principles of accessible travel should apply, but it may be prudent to check in advance and let the transport company know if you have any access needs.
Taxis and minicabs
In many areas, including London and other large cities, licensed taxis must be wheelchair accessible. In other areas, you can find out if there are wheelchair accessible taxis through your local council. Taxi drivers and taxi operators must not discriminate against disabled people, and can be expected to make reasonable adjustments to their service in order to help you. That might include helping you in and out of the vehicle, reading the meter to you, lifting your baggage into the car, or putting a mobility aid into the boot.
Drivers may not know how to fold your wheelchair or mobility aid and need some guidance from you. They may also have health conditions of their own that mean they cannot lift you or your mobility aid, so it may be sensible to mention if you are going to need help when you book.
It’s against the law for drivers not to take you on a journey because of a disability or for bringing an assistance dog. It’s also against the law for taxi and minicab operators not to book a vehicle for you for those reasons. If there are vehicles available and they refuse to take you because of your disability, the driver or operator could be fined up to £1,000 or lose their licence.
If you have an assistance dog, the dog must be allowed to travel with you if you have epilepsy or an impairment to your mobility or dexterity. This does not apply if the driver has an exemption certificate. A driver with an exemption certificate will have a ‘notice of exemption’ on their vehicle windscreen.
Community transport
Community transport schemes are common around the country to help disabled people get to medical appointments, shops and services. These vary in what they offer and how they are provided, either as regular services to key local destinations, or flexible services you can book. You may find useful services nearby that you were not aware of.
Find out about community transport services near you.
Stations and stops
Transport hubs, bus and rail stations should have accessible facilities including accessible toilets, ramps and clear signage. This may not always be the case, and renovations or building work could mean some facilities are out of order or inaccessible. You may wish to check in advance with the station or service provder.
What if something goes wrong with my journey?
If you are not satisfied with the service provided to you as a disabled passenger, you should contact the bus or train operating company that you used. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can then contact an independent ombudsman.
Life changing: Getting around with MS: Read our report on travel and transport issues faced by people with MS.
Driving and MS: Information on private car travel.
Transport for All: Charitable organisation concerned with accessible transport.
The National Centre for Accessible Transport: Organisation campaigning for accessible design in planning transport.
ShopMobility UK: A network of local centres offering hire of mobility scooters, powerchairs and wheelchairs for all.
Community Transport Association: Advice and support for the UK's community transport sector.
