4 ways to save money on transport
We’ve complied all the links and info you need to save money with transport for disabled people and carers across Bedfordshire and Luton.
Motability – Help with your own vehicle
If you, or the person you care for, receives the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement you will be able to exchange this payment for a lease car or scooter on the Motability scheme. It is possible to name up to three drivers of a leased Motability car. For more details call 0300 456 4566 or visit the Motability website.
Blue Badge
The Blue Badge Scheme gives people with a disability access to a wide range of free parking spaces, making it easier to park near the places they want to visit.
A Blue Badge is issued to the person with a disability, not to the car. So, as long as they are in the car then their Blue Badge can be used.
It doesn’t matter if they are the driver or a passenger, or if it is their own car or someone else’s.
The person applying for the badge must qualify before it will be issued.
If you, or the person you care for, receive an appropriate mobility benefit or are blind, you will be entitled to a blue badge. If you do not meet these conditions you may still be able to receive a blue badge.
For Luton:
You can apply online for a Blue badge or contact the Parking Shop for more information.
- e-mail: bluebadges@luton.gov.uk
- telephone 01582 547272
Blue badge holders may also be able to apply for a designated disabled parking bay at their homes. Contact Traffic Engineering on 01582 546276 for more information.
For Bedford:
Apply for a Blue Badge via the Bedford Borough Council website.
For Central Bedfordshire:
Apply for a Blue Badge via the Central Bedfordshire Council website.
Public Transport
For Luton:
If you are over 60 or have a Blue Badge (or meet Blue Badge criteria) you will be entitled to a Smartcard. This gives holders free bus travel around Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis at any time and free off peak (0930—2300) travel on local buses anywhere in England.
Smartcard holders will also receive a discount (approximately 50%) on train travel between Bedford and Elstree & Borehamwood after 10am on weekdays and all day weekends and Bank Holidays.
If the person you care for states they need a companion to travel with, and proof of this is given by a medical practitioner, you will also be entitled to travel for free when accompanying them. For further information about smartcards please contact the Passenger Transport Unit on 01582 547219.
For Central Bedfordshire:
Apply for an older person’s or disabled person’s bus pass in Central Bedfordshire.
For Bedford:
Apply for a travel pass for disabled people on the Bedford borough council website
Transport and help at the Mall in Luton
For disabled people or the more elderly who are unable to use public transport, Luton Shopmobility provide a transport service to and from the Mall for a small fee. For details please call 01582 738936.
We can help you to fill-in all the applications forms
If you need some help filling-in forms for bus passes and blue badges then please call 01582 470 900 or email us today.
”I was able to fill in my form properly with your help and make sure I had not missed anything”.
"I was given help filling in forms and the help was very good. Much easier for me to understand".
We’ll be adding full details covering Northamptonshire next.
If you think we have missed anything or you know of other money saving tips for disabled people and carers then please email us today.
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Phone: 01582 470 900
Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
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Come to our free Wellbeing Hub in Dunstable every week – Everyone is welcome
People in Dunstable love our free Wellbeing Hub. We’re helping people with advice managing energy costs and offering a whole host of free wellbeing activities every week. Our sessions provide practical money-saving solutions and support in a friendly, welcoming environment. Plus there are free refreshments including free tea, free coffee and free seasonal snacks. So come along to the Mayfield Centre every Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Free training for Diabetes Awareness and First Aid for PAs in care
Our Spring term at The Care Academy sees the return of some of our most popular courses. Join us for free training workshops for Personal Assistants in care for diabetes awareness and first aid.
Free training workshop on end-of-life care for Personal Assistants (PAs)
Keech Hospice is providing this free workshop for PAs. This important training will provide PAs with the skills and knowledge needed to support individuals and their families during end-of-life care with compassion and confidence.
Your open door to advice in Central Bedfordshire
AdviceCentral helps residents of Central Bedfordshire to find the best local and national advice on a wide range of topics including:
Help for carers in Luton
We offer lots of free 1-2-1 help and advice by phone, email and online meetups.
