Travelling by Rail

The Disabled Persons Railcard is available to permanently and severely Disabled People. It generally entitles the holder and one accompanying adult, to one third off the cost the price of many different types of rail ticket.

The Railcard costs £14 and is valid for one year. Full details and a list of those eligible are available on the National Rail website, which also has a downloadable application form which is available at www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk.

You can also apply by telephoning the Disabled Persons Railcard Office on 08457 484950 (local rate).

However, you do not need a Disabled Persons Railcard to benefit from discounted rail travel if you are:

• a wheelchair user and you have to stay in your wheelchair for the duration of your journey; or

• registered as Blind and travelling with another person.

In both cases you and one travelling companion can get discounts of one third off the First or Standard Class price of 'Single' and 'Open Return' tickets, and 50% off the price of 'Day Return' tickets.

Full details of all these concessions and an application form are available in the booklet 'Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers' from main rail stations.

Dogs and other small animals are carried on trains free of charge, although there is a condition that dogs must be on a lead and not take up a seat. Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Assistance Dogs trained by recognised training charity may be allowed into the restaurant car of a train at the steward's discretion, although every effort is made to serve meals at disabled passengers seats.

Buying and Renewing your Railcard

How do I apply for my first Railcard?

Complete Sections A & B and the address panel of the application form and print a copy. Sign it and send it together with:

• a copy of your proof of entitlement; and

• £14 (as at 2 June 2003), by cheque, credit/debit card or postal order, made payable to RSP Ltd (DPRC) to the following address:

Disabled Persons Railcard Office
PO Box 163
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE12 8WX

In normal circumstances, please allow 15 days to receive of your Railcard.

Disabled Persons Railcard application helpline:

Phone: - 0191 218 8103 or

Textphone: -0191 269 0304 for people who have a hearing impairment.

Please note your phone call may be recorded for staff training purposes.

How do I renew my existing Railcard?

You are responsible for renewing your Railcard. However, the Disabled Persons Railcard Office will send you a reminder and a renewal form a few weeks before your Railcard runs out.

You can use Section A and the address panel of the application form to renew your Railcard.  If you show details of your existing Railcard number and expiry date, you will not need to send any other documents.

Or, you can renew your Railcard over the phone using a credit or debit card. Please remember that you will need to provide your existing Railcard number and expiry date.

Unfortunately, they are unable to deal with any applications made in person.

Eurostar

If you are a wheelchair user the Wheelchair User Fare enables you to travel in your own wheelchair in a dedicated area of the train.  One travelling companion can accompany you at a reduced rate, but please note that you must travel together on Eurostar for the companion fare to be valid. For further details of ticket types and assistance you can get as a Disabled Person contact: Eurostar Tel: 08705 186 186.