Know How: Community Transport options

Did you know that there are a number of community transport options, that can help you to get out and about? Here is an outline of some of the community transport services available and how to apply for them.

If you’d like any more information or to work out which option is going to be best for you, please get in touch on 020 7281 6018, or drop into the Age UK Islington contact centre, 9 Manor Gardens, N7 6LA, Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm.

Blue Badge

A Blue Badge helps people with disabilities or health conditions, park closer to their destination. It allows drivers or passengers with a disability to park in restricted parking areas for a period of time. It is for people with a disability, severe mobility problems or who have difficulty using public transport (including sight loss) and is free.

You can apply for a badge for yourself or on behalf of somebody else.

If you are an Islington resident and a Blue Badge holder, you are entitled to a free resident parking permit for the zone in which you live. This means you won’t need to display your Blue Badge when you are parked in a residents' bay for that particular zone.

For eligibility information and to apply

Dial-a-Ride

Dial-a-Ride is a membership scheme run by Transport for London (TfL) which provides a bookable minibus service free of charge for disabled and older people who have difficulties accessing public transport. Drivers help people door to door and vehicles are fully accessible.

Dial-a-Ride is for adults with severe mobility impairments, adults who are visually impaired or anyone over 85. You can apply if you are a permanent or temporary resident of a London borough.

Dial-a-Ride may pick up other service users on the way to your destination. You are also entitled to take a carer or someone to assist you if there is space in the vehicle. Let Dial-a-Ride know at the time of booking your trip.

For eligibility information and to apply

Hackney Community Transport Bus

Route 812 is a community bus in Islington.  It is aimed at older and disabled people but open to all and connects people with the things they care about.

The services run Monday to Friday (except public holidays), every 30 minutes from 9.30am. The last service leaves Bridport Place at 4.00pm.

The service costs £1 per trip. Freedom Pass holders and children under 16 travel free. Oyster Cards, Travelcards and Saver Tickets will not be accepted on these routes.

Route 812 is a hail and ride service. This means that as well as being able to board the buses at any of the bus stops situated along the route, passengers can hail the bus on roads where there are no bus stops. The driver will stop to pick passengers up providing it is safe to do so.

For more information, routemap and timetable

Scootability

Hackney Community Transport has a scooter loan scheme called Scootability that provides access to mobility scooters and powerchairs. This is to provide users with the freedom to move around independently. Vehicles are currently available for loan from one day to seven days.

The scheme is for permanent residents in the boroughs of Camden and Islington who are aged 16 years and over and have a mobility impairment.

Individuals can benefit from a delivery service if their home is accessible and they have suitable charging and storage facilities.

For more information and how to apply

Taxicard/Computer cabs

Taxicard is a subsidised taxi service whereby those eligible get a certain number of taxi journeys subsidised. It is for London residents with serious mobility impairments or sight loss. It is free to get the taxi card.

You can book a Taxicard trip online, by phone and you can also hail a Computer Cab taxi with an orange ‘target’ logo in the street or at a taxi rank. If you have an iPhone, you can also book a trip through an app.

For more information, subsidy rates and an application form

Community transport is a great way to try different Age UK Islington Get Togethers around Islington. If you’d like any more information or to work out which option is going to be best for you, please get in contact with us.