Concessions and discounts

Older residents and those with a disability can take advantage of free travel on local buses throughout Hampshire and the rest of England. In some cases, travel is within certain specified times.

You will need to meet criteria on age or disability. You may also be entitled to a ‘companion pass’ if your disabilities mean that you are unable to travel unaccompanied.

For more information about bus passes and travel vouchers contact your council.

Hampshire County Council

Tel: 0300 555 1376

Portsmouth City Council

Tel: 023 9268 8575

Southampton City Council

Tel: 023 8083 3008

Train travel discounts

If you are aged 60 or over, you are eligible for a Senior Railcard which entitles you to one third off the price of most first class and standard rail fares. The card costs £30 and is valid for one year. You can buy a Senior Railcard online, at a staffed station ticket office or by calling 0345 300 0250. You will need a valid passport or UK driving licence in order to prove you are eligible.

A Disabled Person’s Railcard costs £20 for one year. It entitles you to a third off the price of most first class and standard rail fares and if you are accompanied by another adult, they can also travel at the same discounted fare. Application forms are available online and from rail stations and main post offices. Alternatively, call the Disabled Person’s Railcard Helpline on 0345 605 0525 or textphone 0345 601 0132.

Discount coach card

National Express offer a Senior Coachcard for over 60s and a Disabled Coachcard for those who are registered disabled at a cost of £12.50 plus £2.50 postage and packaging per year. third off their travel on most National Express coach services. Call 0871 781 8181 or visit

www.nationalexpress.com/en/offers/coachcards

Please give at least 24-hours’ notice if you travel with a guide dog.

Leisure

Some districts and boroughs offer concessions to older and disabled people as well as to carers and people in receipt of benefits using leisure centre facilities. Contact your preferred leisure centre to enquire about activities suitable for your age group.

Use Connect to Support Hampshire’s Community Directory to find leisure centres near you. Visit

www.connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk/

directories (select ‘Choose your category’ then ‘Community support/activities’ and ‘Sport/exercise’).

Many other social and leisure outlets in Hampshire offer discounts to older or disabled people. Always ask if any concessions are offered. If you are blind or severely sight impaired, you are entitled to a 50% discount on your TV licence. If you are over 75, you are currently entitled to a free TV licence if you, or your partner, living at the same address receive pension credit. Call 0300 790 6117 to request an application form or visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk for more information.

The UK Cinema Association offers the CEA card to disabled people. This entitles any accompanying carer to a free ticket at participating cinemas. The card is available to people receiving Disability or Attendance Allowance, registered blind or holding a disabled person’s railcard. A small processing fee is chargeable per card. For more information, call 01244 526016, textphone 18001 01244 526016, email info@ceacard.co.uk or visit

www.ceacard.co.uk

Many entertainment and leisure venues offer free entry to carers who are accompanying a disabled person. Always check in advance.

There are discounts and exemptions available to disabled drivers and schemes to assist older and