Other Information

Wheelchair and scooters users on public transport

The majority of wheelchair users will be able to travel on accessible public transport. Where services are stated as being accessible, this implies that access is possible for persons using wheelchairs conforming to International Standard ISO 7193, which is a maximum length of 1200mm (47 inches) and maximum width 700mm (27.5 inches).

Trains used by London Midland on the Network West Midlands local rail network only enable wheelchairs with the footrests folded to be carried provided they fall within the dimensions of 1000mm (40 inches) length and 700mm (927.5 inches) width.

If you are considering the purchase of a wheelchair and intend to use public transport, you are advised to check that the model conforms to International Standard ISO 7193.

Scooters are allowed on the Metro

The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has launched a voluntary Code of Practice aimed at regularising the carriage of mobility scooters on buses. The Code sets out which models of scooter are allowed on buses, and which are not, based on size.

Scooter users who are allowed to travel on buses in their scooter will be asked to take a training session in entering and exiting buses safely. On completion of this, they will be granted a credit card sized permit which will guarantee them carriage with all companies that have signed up to the Code.

 
CPT Head Office
Drury House
34-43 Russell Street
London
WC2B 5HA
Tel: 020 7240 3131
Fax: 020 7240 6565

Use of scooters on London Midland services is allowed providing the scooter is a maximum length of 1000mm and a maximum width 700mm. The scooter must be powered by a sealed battery, and be lightweight and collapsible to enable it to be transported by bus, coach or taxi in the event of a rail disruption. They can be carried as luggage by you or a companion.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) have updated their information leaflet 'Get wise to using public transport' which has information for wheelchair and scooter users.

Also available is 'Get wise to using electric scooters and wheelchairs'.

For further details contact:
BHTA
New Loom House
Suite 4.06
101 Back Church Lane
London
E1 1LU
Tel: 020 7702 2141 Fax 020 7680 4048
Email bhta@bhta.com 
Visit the www.bhta.com website

The Department for Transport and Ricability have also produced a guide entitled 'Wheels Within Wheels - a Guide to Using a Wheelchair on Public Transport'. It has details of wheelchairs available in the UK, and those which are best to use on public transport.

Ricability
Unit G03
The Wenlock Business Centre
50-52 Wharf Road
London
N1 7EU
Tel: 020 7427 2460
Text Phone: 020 7427 2469
Fax: 020 7427 2468
Email: mail@ricability.org.uk
http://www.ricability.org.uk/consumer_reports/mobility_reports/wheels_within_wheels/

You can also check the Department for Transport's website for further information on the use of wheelchairs and scooters at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/access/wheelchairs-and-mobility-scooters/

Public transport information services

Traveline provides information on all local and national bus, train and Metro services. Traveline can help you plan the quickest, most convenient routes on the Journey Planner as well as provide information on timetables, fares, and special tickets. Telephone Traveline 0871 200 22 33 or visit the website www.traveline.org.uk

If you require information in a format more suited to your needs telephone 0121 214 7214 or email customerrelations@centro.org.uk

There is a Network West Midlands Local Travel Information Centre on the forecourt of Birmingham New Street Station. The office is accessible and an induction loop facility is available at the sales counter. There are also Local Travel Information Centres at:
Pool Meadow Bus Station in Coventry
Dudley Bus Station
Wolverhampton Bus Station
St Paul's Bus Station in Walsall
Merry Hill Bus Station - Brierley Hill.

National Rail's website at www.nationalrail.co.uk has a variety of information including timetables and a dedicated section on rail travel for disabled passengers.

www.Help2travel.co.uk provides live traffic information, live bus, rail and Metro information, and live airport and car park information across the Midlands.

www.DisabledGo.info provides online information for disabled people in Solihull on access to venues such as cafes, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, rail stations and more.

DPTAC have produced a publication which provides information on all modes of public transport, how to make a complaint and where to access more information.

Visit the DPTAC website  

Voluntary transport services information

The following organisations do not provide transport, but may be able to provide information on services that do offer transport on a voluntary basis in your area.

Birmingham Mobility Advice Line
Unit 7
Rotton Park Street
Edgbaston
West Midlands
B16 0AB
Tel: 0121 454 2331 (Open: 11am to 3pm Tue, Wed and Thur)
Email enquiries@mobility-advice.org.uk
www.mobility-advice.org.uk

Dudley Dudley CVS
7 Albion Street
Brierley Hill
West Midlands
DY5 3EE
Tel: 01384 573381
Fax 01384 484587
Email info@dudleycvs.org.uk
www.dudleycvs.org.uk


Sandwell CARES Sandwell
The Carers Centre
2 Bearwood Road
Smethwick
West Midlands
B66 4HH
Tel: 0121 558 7003
Fax 0121 558 7229
Email cares.sandwell@btinternet.com
www.carers.org


Solihull DIAL Solihull
67 The Parade
Kingshurst
Birmingham
B37 6BB
Tel: 0121 770 0333 (Lines open Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm)
DIAL Solihull is a free, impartial and confidential information and advice service for disabled people and their carers.

Walsall Darlaston Fellowship for the Disabled
27 Hall Street East
Darlaston
West Midlands
WS10 8PL
Tel: 0121 526 4044 (Open Mon - Fri, 10:00am-14:00pm)

Blue Badge parking scheme

The Blue Badge parking scheme provides many benefits to disabled people with severe walking difficulties who either travel as car drivers or passengers. For more information on the scheme,apply at your local social services department or click on:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/motoringandtransport/dg_4001061

Dedicated Blue Badge car park spaces are provided at all Network West Midlands Rail Station and Metro Park and Ride sites, making it easier for you to use public transport.

Birmingham Airport

The Air-Rail Link carries passengers between Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International Rail Station. The free service runs every two minutes with a journey time of less than 90 seconds. There is also easy access from the station to the National Exhibition Centre.

Passengers are advised to inform their travel agent when booking of any extra assistance they may require. Alternatively a dedicated Special Assistance Control Desk manned 24 hours a day is available for all information regarding your flight on telephone 0121 767 7878, or by email bhx.prm@ocs.co.uk

A Minicom is available at the Main Terminal Information Desk 0121 767 8084 and a Deaf Alerter system is also available. Staff who can use British Sign Language are on hand.
www.bhx.co.uk

Car parking for disabled passengers
Spaces are available in the 'Drop and Go' area close to the terminal building. Blue Badge holders are entitled to up to 60 minutes free parking within the Drop and Go area on production of their Blue Badge and car parking ticket at the NCP Customer Services desk within the terminal building. Normal charges apply if the 60 minutes is exceeded. Parking spaces are available at multi-storey and surface car parks also. Should you require assistance, help points are situated close to the disabled parking areas. Note that car parking is charged at the normal airport rates.

Transport to local hospitals

To visit your local hospital by public transport call Traveline 0871 200 22 33 for timetable information or to plan your journey

For some journeys to a hospital for treatment, you may be able to use the ambulance service. Ask at your doctor's surgery for details. You will be entitled to use an ambulance only if your medical condition requires you to use this service.

At some hospitals, volunteers provide transport for visitors unable to use public transport. Please enquire at the General Office of your hospital for further information.

You may be able to obtain help with your travelling expenses when you go into hospital for NHS treatment and when you come out of hospital, or when you go to and from hospital as an outpatient for NHS treatment. If you need someone to travel with you, you may also be able to get help with the cost of their fares. A leaflet is produced by the NHS numbered HC11, entitled 'Help with Health Costs', which provides information on eligibility for these services.

Visit http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/Documents/HealthCosts/HC11.pdf to download a copy or call the Health Cost Advice Line on 0845 850 1166 for more information, http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1884.aspx

Benefits and allowances

There are a number of benefits and allowances which some disabled people can claim. To find out more, contact the freephone Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 882200 (Mon-Fri 8:00-18:00), Textphone 0800 243355 or click on www.dwp.gov.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/disability

Under the Access to Work Programme, Jobcentre Plus will help with the additional costs of travel to, or in, work for people who are unable to use public transport.

Contact the Disability Employment Advisor at your local Jobcentre Plus or visit the Job Centre Plus website

General information on disability issues can be found on the Government's Office for Disability Issues website