|
TransportPublic Transport for Disabled PersonsGMPTE (Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive) co-ordinates public transport activity within the region and provides a principal information source on transport services and facilities for disabled persons. A website is available at www.gmpte.gov.uk Traveline provides local transport information on 0871 200 22 33, 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. A website is available a www.traveline.info All GMPTE’s information is available in a range of formats, such as in large print, in Braille and on tape, on request from Traveline. Concessionary Travel Passes and Permits:PassesThese provide free travel to and from Greater Manchester. To qualify for a pass you must be:
To apply for a pass contact your local social services for an application form. You may also qualify if you are:
In these cases contact: PermitsA permit means you pay less than normal on public transport. At present this is a flat fare of 50p on buses, 60p on trains and the Metrolink after 9.30 am weekdays or all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. To have a permit you must be one of the following:
To apply contact: Travel VouchersPeople who have walking difficulties or are registered blind and are unable
to use ordinary public transport may be entitled to travel vouchers to pay for
taxis, private hire cars and accessible buses. Other Services and Facilities:Easy Access Bus ServicesMore and more buses have no entrance steps and 'kneel' at the kerb to lower
the bus floor and are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, most have designated
seats near the front for those who may have difficulty getting to others within
the bus. Bus StationsGMPTE controls the environment of bus stations and have refurbished them to improve accessibility. Features include dropped kerbs , tactile paving, talking signs, visibility strips and improved lighting. Door to Door Transport ServicesRing and Ride and other services are available to those who can't use ordinary public transport. Ring and Ride provides short local trips using vehicles that have access for wheelchair users. Local Link is a flexible public transport service that will pick you up at your door. The services run in defined areas and you must book your journey at least one hour in advance, but you can book several journeys at the same time, up to a week ahead. Localink uses minibuses or taxis you share with other passengers. These services are available to the general public. To find out if there is a Local Link in your area and for details of the local booking office, or for information about Ring and Ride, phone Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 between 7 am and 8 pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Taxi and Private Hire CarsTaxis and private hire cars offer a flexible transport choice to disabled
persons. Public Transport Access GrantsShort term revenue funding is available for voluntary organisations and charities in Greater Manchester wishing to run projects that will make it easier for disabled people to use public transport. Small Travel GrantsSmall travel grants of up to £150 are available for voluntary organisation of disabled people who wish to make special one-off trips. For more information about GMPTE grants contact: What the Transport Operators Say:MetrolinkThe Metrolink system has been designed to be as accessible as possible and
incorporates a number of features to assist mobility-impaired people. Northern Rail Limited (NRL)NRL operates trains across the north of England. They are committed to caring
for passengers with disabilities. Passengers who need assistance are advised to
contact Northern Customer Relations at least 24 hours in advance of travel.
Their Assistance Helpline is open between 6am and 11pm Mondays to Saturdays and
7am to 10pm Sundays and public holidays, on 0845 600 8008. Textphone available
on 0845 604 5608. Other Useful Organisations:RADAR A nation-wide travel information and advice service for disabled and elderly
persons. DPTACDPTAC advise the Government on access for disabled people to transport. They
also advise on the built environment. It has been developed to give disabled people information about transport and advice about travelling using all forms of transport. Door to Door brings together in one website all the information that disabled people need to make informed decisions and choices. For people who want to find out more detailed information about specific issues, the website also features direct links to the websites of other organisations. |