Forward MID
and
Midlothian Council.
Travelling outwith Midlothian
Some people find traveling a strain, if you are disabled that strain could get a lot worse. It could be something simple as a delay in traveling and this has a knock on effect for a diabetic as now the carbohydrate intake is affected, to being in a wheelchair and a replacement form of transport is used only to find out it has no wheelchair facilities. Here you will some tips on traveling beyond Midlothian
Scottish City link
For passengers with walking difficulties, the driver will assist you to climb a few steps into the bus and help you into your seat. You should purchase your ticket at Citylink in the usual way. However, if you normally use a wheelchair and you need to remain in it for your trip, please DO NOT PURCHASE your ticket on the website.If your service is listed and you wish to check availability on a specific journey and book travel for yourself or a wheelchair user please call 0141 332 9841. Fully accessible vehicles are being introduced across our network. At present the services offering accessible vehicles are; Wheelchairs are hoisted onto the bus and placed where the front seat has been removed, more than one person is required to use the equipment so alighting the bus can only be carried out at certain stops.for more information www.citylink.co.uk
National express
Accessible coaches
National Express is introducing a new generation of coaches onto the UK network that feature a wheelchair lift incorporated into the passenger entrance. The easy access coach features a wider entrance and a completely flat floor throughout the coach to aid mobility for all. A streamlined NX Magic Floor Lift is incorporated into the passenger entrance and when deployed, the wheelchair is locked in place and the customer safely and securely uses the same standard three-point seat belt as other customers. Other features include reclining leather seats, air conditioning and a large toilet.
A program of routes is currently being planned to roll-out the accessible coach across the network, with the whole network being fully accessible by 2012. On occasion, disabled passengers may be asked to produce a local authority concessionary travel pass or other identification. Passengers should be prepared to produce this proof of eligibility at any point during their journey if requested. Disabled passengers should always be offered a concessionary fare. If you are not offered this discount please alert the sales person of your eligibility. To check availability To ensure that you can travel at your required time, and to make the most of our dedicated and experienced travel help line staff, we highly recommend that you make a reservation.
Although it is not currently possible to reserve through the web site, our Disabled Persons' Travel Help line team will be pleased to make sure that your booking is made and that the drivers are fully aware of when you are traveling.
To make a reservation, contact our Disabled Persons Travel Help line on 08717 818179. A textphone is provided for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing on 0121 455 0086 for more information www.nationalexpress.com
Trains
Arrangements can be made for disabled passengers. We can usually arrange for staff to meet you at your departure station, accompany you to the train and see you safely on board. Similar arrangements can be made at your destination station and other stations if you need to change trains. For example, ramps can be provided for wheelchair users. Not all stations are manned so sometimes there will be no one there to help a wheelchair user off, to check stations for access and help www.nationalrail.co.uk and type in the name of the rail station.
Because scooters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, many have problems on trains, including: tipping backwards on ramps; being heavier than the ramp's safe working load; or being the wrong shape to maneuver safely inside a carriage. These problems mean that some companies have trains that cannot carry scooters. So if you are a scooter-user who wants to travel by rail, you should contact the train company to check they can safely accommodate your scooter.
Please remember to contact us to confirm that all the stations and trains you want to use are accessible. If you require assistance please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. National Rail Enquiries: 08457 48 49 50.
Airplanes
When you book, always tell your airline, travel agent or tour operator if you need assistance when you travel. Always get the name of a person who is responsible for the needs of anyone needing assistance. If you need assistance from airport or airline staff at any stage of your journey, you should always request this at least 48 hours before you fly. Airlines may ask you to complete an Incapacitated Passengers Handling Advice (INCAD) form and/or a Medical Information Form (MEDIF). These are standard forms used by many airlines to help staff organise any assistance or equipment you may need during your journey and to decide whether you are fit to fly. With some airlines, the INCAD and MEDIF are two parts of the same form.You can fill in the INCAD form yourself, but the MEDIF form must be completed by your doctor.You should contact the airline and discuss your disability or medical condition with them – even if your doctor says you are fit to fly – as different airlines have different policies about carrying disabled passengers and people with medical conditions. The airline will be able to give you any forms they require you to complete. You can also get these forms from some travel agents. Make sure these forms are filled in and that you keep a copy for your records.
Remember these are just guideline for traveling, when you get to your destination it will be different from the area you have come from and attitudes to disabled people vary greatly from country to country.
