Travel
Cards and schemes that make travel easier.
Travel costs can add up quickly, and journeys can take more planning when you or someone you care for is disabled. The schemes below are there to ease both the cost and the effort, whether you travel by bus, by train, or by car.
Each scheme has its own rules and its own way of applying. Rates and eligibility criteria change from time to time, so it is always worth checking the latest details on gov.uk before you apply. Tap a scheme below to read more.
Explore each scheme
Blue Badge Scheme
What is it and how can it help?
A Blue Badge is a parking permit which helps people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination. The badge allows you to park in places other drivers can't, such as in disabled parking spaces in a car park or on a street.
It is important to note that not autistic people want or need a Blue Badge. However, for many families, it can make a huge difference to their quality of life. For example, an autistic person may currently be unable to leave the house if they have a poor sense of danger or are prone to unpredictable meltdowns. Some autistic people will bolt and run away, causing danger to themselves and road users alike. Some people with autism may also be prone to destructive behaviour. Having the Blue Badge can relieve a lot of pressure and stress from autistic people and their families/carers when making journeys.
Who can get a Blue Badge?
Specifically, an autistic person can apply for a Blue Badge if they:
- cannot take a journey without risk of serious harm or psychological distress to themselves and/or others
- have 10 points on the PIP mobility component if planning and making a journey causes significant distress
Additionally, a person with a disability will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if they are aged 3 or over and at least one of the following applies:
- they receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- they receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can't walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the 'moving around' activity of the mobility component.
How to apply
You can apply for a blue badge online. You can apply for a badge for yourself, on behalf of somebody else or an organisation that transports people that need a Blue Badge. A Blue Badge is free in Wales, £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. It last up to 3 years, at which time you will need to renew it (be sure to renew it at least 8 weeks before your current one expires). You can also renew online (please note that you will need to provide the details of your current Blue Badge).
Follow this link to apply:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge (for people in Wales, Scotland and England).
Evidence
When applying for a Blue Badge, you will need to provide:
- proof of identity e.g. birth or adoption certificate/ passport/ driving licence/ marriage or civil partnership certificate/ divorce or dissolution certificate
- proof of address e.g. a recent council tax bill/ a recent letter from a government department such as Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)/ driving licence/ a recent letter from a school (if you are under 16)
- a recent head and shoulders digital photo
- your national insurance number (if you have one)
- contact details (phone number, email and postal address
You will also need to provide proof of benefits (if you get any)
For Personal Independence Payment (PIP) you'll need to know the scores from the mobility assessment and the award end date (if applicable). You'll also be asked to provide proof of the PIP award. This would be the 3 pages from the letter from DWP, which clearly shows entitlement to PIP, assessment scores, and mobility scores.
For Disability Living Allowance (DLA) you'll need to know which rate of the mobility component you receive and the award end date (if applicable). You'll also be asked to provide proof of the DLA award. This should be the most recent letter from DWP, which clearly shows mobility rating, certificate of entitlement to DLA, and the date of the letter.
The Blue Badge is issued to you by your local council, so they are the people who will decide if you are eligible for a badge. They cannot start the assessment process until they have all the necessary evidence. It may take 12 weeks or longer to assess your application. If they decide that you are not eligible and you think that they did not take account of all the facts, you can ask them to consider your application again.
Additional information
Parking - your Blue Badge usually lets you park for free (or at a discounted rate):
- on streets with parking metres or pay-and-display machines for as long as you need to (unless a sign says there is an exemption or restriction)
- in disabled parking bays on streets for as long as you need to (unless a sign says there is a time limit)
- on single or double yellow lines (if it is safe to do so) for up to 3 hours (unless there's a 'no loading' sign or yellow kerb dashes)
The time you can park in a certain place will vary depending on where you have parked. There are also some places that do not allow you to park there even with a Blue Badge. It is always best to check if there are any parking restrictions in the place that you have parked.
Who can use it? - the Blue Badge is linked to you rather than a vehicle, so you can use it with any car. This includes taxis and hire cars that you're driving or travelling in as a passenger. The badge is for your use and benefit only. It must only be displayed if you are travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or if someone is collecting you or dropping you off and needs to park at the place where you are being collected or dropped. Don't allow other people to use the badge to do something on your behalf, such as shopping or collecting something for you.
How to display the badge - when using the parking concessions you must display the badge on the dashboard of your vehicle or attach it to your bike where it can be clearly seen and read from outside the vehicle. The front of the badge should face upwards, showing the wheelchair symbol. The side showing the photograph should not be visible through the windscreen. Incorrect display of the badge may result in a parking fine. When you park on yellow lines or in other places where there is a time restriction, you need to display the blue parking clock to show your time of arrival. You must display it on the vehicle's dashboard or facia panel, so that the time can be seen clearly through the front windscreen. The clock should be set to show the quarter hour period during which you arrived.
Power to inspect the badge - police officers, traffic wardens, parking attendants and civil enforcement officers have the power to inspect and seize the badge (if they suspect it is being illegally used) and if asked you must show it to them. If you do not, you will be breaking the law and you could be fined. These people should produce an identity card with their photograph on it to prove they are who they say they are. You can ask to see this before you give them your badge to look at.
Loss, theft or damage - you can apply for a new badge if yours gets lost, stolen or damaged. A replacement badge is valid until the expiry date of the original badge. Some councils may charge for replacing a badge. If your badge is due to expire in less than 3 months, you need to reapply instead of replacing it.
Disabled Persons Concessionary Travel Card (and Companion Card)
What is it and how can it help?
If your primary address is in Wales and you meet the Government's disability eligibility criteria, you can travel for free on most bus services in Wales and the borders, and get discounted or free travel on many rail services
Who is it for?
You're entitled to a Concessionary Travel Card if you're an eligible disabled person and your primary residence is in Wales.
How to apply, evidence required and website link
You'll need to provide the following information when you apply:
- Documentation of your address and postcode so we can check you're a resident of Wales.
- Documentation of your date of birth so we can check you're entitled to the card you're applying for.
- Your National Insurance number if you're over 16. You'll find this on your pension statements, disability statements or payslips.
- A recent passport-style photograph. If you're applying on a phone or tablet, you'll be able to take this at the relevant point in your application; or you can upload one from your computer.
If you're applying for a Disabled Person's Concessionary Travel Card, you'll need electronic copies of documents that prove your entitlement. Please make sure your documentation includes enough detail; for example, every page submitted (don't forget the document may be two-sided) and allow us to see the reference numbers at the bottom of every page. You should supply a copy of one of the following pieces of evidence: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award letter, which gives details of a Higher Rate Mobility Component (HRMC) award or Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Statement of Entitlement, which shows 8 or more points under Descriptor 7 "Communicating Verbally"; or 12 points under Descriptor 11 "Planning and Following a Journey"; or 8 or more points under Descriptor 12 "Moving Around". Please note: The PIP descriptors and their individual scores MUST NOT be added together.
If you're unsure which documents you'll need to provide, please contact your local authority who'll be able to help. Don't send original copies of any of your documents, as they will not be able to be returned to you.
https://portal.tfw.wales/en/disabled
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-disabled-bus-pass
Companion Cards - If you qualify for a concessionary bus pass but cannot travel by bus without needing the help of a person to accompany and/support you, you may be eligible to be assessed for a Disabled Person's Concessionary bus pass with a companion. This will allow someone else to travel with you for free.
If you require a companion card, you'll need to contact your local council. They'll assess whether you meet the criteria, and can then process your application. Find information on how to contact your local council here - https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-disabled-bus-pass
Your local authority will assess whether you meet one of the following criteria:
- Challenging behaviours: the applicant needs to be supervised at all times;
- Severe cognitive and mental impairments (including people who have no awareness of risk and limited ability to plan and follow a journey);
- A combination of visual and hearing loss or visual and speech loss that prevents independent mobility; or
- Difficulties using a wheelchair independently.
Additional information
If your application has been approved, you should receive your card within 10 working days.
The Concessionary Travel Card is valid on all eligible bus services that operate in Wales. This includes those commencing/terminating at points in England, provided that the cross-boundary journey doesn't involve a change of bus in England. You can also use selected rail services operating in Wales.
Please be aware that you can't use your card on coach services such as National Express, Megabus or City Sightseeing. However, companies may offer discounts to Concessionary Travel Cardholders.
You can travel for free on the following Transport for Wales rail services:
- Wrexham – Hawarden Bridge
- Machynlleth – Pwllheli (Cambrian Coastline) – October to March only
- Llandudno – Blaenau Ffestiniog (Conwy Valley line)
- Shrewsbury and Llanelli/Swansea (Heart of Wales Line) – October to March only
You'll need to show your Concessionary Travel Card to get a free ticket from the ticket office before you travel. If there's no ticket office or if it's closed, you can get one from the conductor on the train.
You can also get 1/3 off tickets to travel on the Cardiff and Valley network after 0930 Monday - Friday and any time at weekends and bank holidays.
Disabled Persons Railcard
What is it and how does it help?
A Disabled Person's Railcard is a concessionary fare scheme in the UK. It gives passengers on the National Rail network (who have an eligible disability) up to one third discount on train travel costs.
Who is it for?
The Disabled Persons Railcard is for people over 16 with a qualifying disability. It is aimed at people who have the most difficulty using rail for a reason relating to their disability. Its purpose is to encourage people to use the train and to reduce the cost for those who need to be accompanied by someone to support them while travelling.
Children aged 5 to 15 years old that are eligible for a Disabled Person's Railcard can also apply for a card. While the Railcard doesn't offer discounts on child fares, it will allow one person travelling with the cardholder to get 1/3 off most rail fares.
If you have an adult companion travelling with you, they too can get the discount as long as they travel with you throughout the journey.
How to apply
Follow this link: https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/ and click on 'Buy Now' on the website homepage, following the instructions on the screen. You will need to provide a digital passport-style photo if you have selected 'Digital' under 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' section. You will also need to provide proof of your disability to verify your eligibility online; you can check if you are eligible here.
If you are disabled or have a progressive medical condition then you are eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard if you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP)/Adult Disability Payment (Scotland only) or if you receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA)/Child Disability Payment (Scotland only) at either the higher or lower rate for either of the two component parts. As proof, you will need to provide a copy of your award letter showing receipt of payments of the above benefits in the past 12 months.
Additional information
The Railcard costs £20 for one year and £54 for 3 years.
You can buy either a physical or a digital rail card. The digital railcard can be saved on up to 2 devices. Once your online payment has been successfully processed you will receive an email confirmation and acknowledgement of your application (this confirmation cannot be used to buy discounted tickets). Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved. If you have purchased a plastic Railcard, please allow 5 working days for delivery in addition to the 5 working days for your Railcard application review. If you have purchased a digital Disabled Persons Railcard, it will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard.
All franchised train operating companies in Great Britain must accept the Railcard and offer discounts under terms set out in the Railways Act 1993.
You can use your Railcard as many times as you like. Just make sure to have it with you when you travel. The Railcard discount is valid at any time of the day, no time restrictions.
Not only do you save on train fare, but you can also use your Railcard to get discounts on partner restaurants and hotels, as well as chances to win fantastic competition prizes.
Motability Scheme
https://www.motability.co.uk/ (accessed August 2026)
The Motability Scheme can help you lease a car if your child is aged 3 or over and is entitled to either the:
- higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
- enhanced mobility component of Personal Independence Payment
Use your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair.
We also have adaptations to help with driving, getting in and out, or storage.
We take care of everything from your insurance, servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover. It's all part of your all-inclusive package. We can even adapt the car if you need.
Can I join the Scheme
Yes, as long as you receive a qualifying mobility allowance with at least 12 months left.
Which type of vehicle suits me best
Different vehicles suit different people. We'll help you decide if a car, adaptations, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair is the right choice for you.
How do I pay
We'll receive your payments straight from your allowance provider, to make paying simple. So you know, you might need to top this up with an Advance Payment.
How do I apply and order
You can start applying online if it's a car or a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. Once you've had a test drive and you've found a vehicle you like, visit a Motability Scheme dealer and they'll order it for you.
How do I get my vehicle
Collect your car from your dealer. If it's a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, scooter, or powered wheelchair they'll deliver it to your home.
What's included
- Insurance cover — We'll arrange your insurance. You can add up to three drivers and can change these at any time.
- Servicing and MOT — We'll cover your regular services and routine repairs, to keep your vehicle running perfectly.
- Breakdown cover — We'll give you breakdown cover so you can travel with peace of mind.
- Support with your electric car — We'll arrange a home chargepoint and a standard installation as part of your lease, or give you access to the bp pulse network of over 9,000 public chargepoints.
More in Benefits & Entitlements
Need support for your family?
Reach out and we will help you find the right guidance for you or the people you care for.