![Getting out and about image](/media/cwsge3bw/gettyimages-542933668.jpg?rxy=0.5063125960031203,0.49352875011715247&width=960&height=250&rnd=133207760032830000)
Getting out and about
There is a wide range of schemes to make travelling and using public transport easier if you are disabled or find it difficult to get around.
Take me to Blue Badge scheme ↘ Redbridge Mobility Card Scheme ↘ Disabled Freedom Pass ↘ Older Persons Freedom Pass ↘ Dial a Ride ↘ Taxicard ↘ Shopmobility ↘ Motability ↘ Travel Mentoring Service ↘ Please offer me a seat ↘
Blue Badge scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme (Disabled Persons Parking Scheme) is a national scheme for disabled people with severe mobility problems.
A Blue Badge helps you to park closer to your destination, either as a driver or passenger.
The application is completed on the GOV.UK website
Redbridge Mobility Card Scheme
The Redbridge Mobility Card Scheme operates for disabled residents in Redbridge, providing a door to door transport service, primarily within a 10 mile radius of the Gants Hill roundabout.
Vehicles are available every day of the year between 7am and 12am (midnight).
You will be advised of the cost at the time of booking and card payment will be taken at the time. Cash payments are not available. If journeys are not taken refunds will be applied back to the account from which payment was taken.
Disabled Freedom Pass
The Disabled Persons Freedom Pass gives people with disabilities free travel on buses, trains, trams, tubes and Docklands Light Rail services in London. It also allows free travel on local buses in England.
You must have one or more of these disabilities:
- blind or partially sighted
- severely or profoundly deaf
- without speech
- a large and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk
- don't have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
- learning disability
- conditions which would prevent you from obtaining a driving licence
If you don't meet the criteria above, you may be able to get a discretionary pass through our Redbridge Local Enhancement scheme.
Apply for Disabled Persons Freedom Pass
Older Persons Freedom Pass
The Older Persons Freedom Pass allows free travel on public transport across London and free local bus journeys nationally.
You can apply for the Older Persons Freedom Pass if you meet the age criteria and you live in Redbridge.
Apply for Older Persons Freedom Pass
60+ London Oyster photocard
If you are aged 60 or over, are not yet eligible for the Older Persons Freedom Pass, and do not meet any of the automatic criteria, you can apply for the London 60+ Oyster Card.
Dial a Ride
Dial a Ride is a free door-to-door transport service for disabled people who have difficulty using public transport. It can be used for journeys such as shopping, visiting friends and attending appointments.
You may bring a friend or relative with you on the bus, but they must be travelling to the same address as you.
Taxicard
The London Taxicard scheme enables people with physical disabilities to travel in licensed black cabs for a reduced fare. You can apply for membership of the scheme if you are a Redbridge resident.
Shopmobility
Ilford Exchange shopping centre run a Shopmobility service which offers people with limited mobility wheelchairs and powered scooters to assist when they are shopping.
You do not need to be registered disabled to use it.
You can contact Shopmobility on 020 8478 6864 or email reda@reda-info.co.uk.
Motability
Buying and adapting a car can be expensive. The car scheme run by the independent not-for-profit organisation Motability gives disabled people the opportunity to own or lease a car at an affordable price.
Travel Mentoring Service
Learn to use public transport through TfL's travel mentoring service.
A mentor comes with you for your first few journeys to help you gain confidence to become an independent traveller. It can also provide help to people who use mobility scooters and other mobility aids on London bus services.
Please offer me a seat
If you struggle to stand while using public transport, there is a free ‘Please offer me a seat’ badge and card available to help you alert fellow customers that you need a seat.
The badge and card can be used on all our services including the London Underground, London Overground, Elizabeth line, Buses, DLR, Trams and River Services.