Number of DCC companion bus passes issued approaches 200

An innovative companion travel scheme operated and provided by Derbyshire County Council has seen almost 200 people apply for and receive a new gold card.

The Gold Card currently allows holders who are disabled to travel without charge on local buses throughout England from 9:30am to 11:00pm weekday, and at any time at the weekend and on bank holidays. However, a companion pass allows another person to travel with them for free at the same time in eligible periods.

At the point at which 198 cards had been issued, Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit, said: “We’re pleased that almost 200 disabled Gold Card holders have successfully applied for a companion pass so far and that they are now able to travel with someone else at no cost for both of them.  The numbers are really encouraging as we only launched this new scheme a few months ago. But there is still time to apply for a companion pass if you are eligible.

“We’re eager to make public transport accessible to as many people as possible and we are pleased that we can offer a free travel card that allows a companion or carer to travel with those that need it.”

To qualify for a Gold Card companion pass, disabled Gold Card holders need to provide the following information:

• Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) stating that the Gold Card holder is blind,
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award letter confirming that you receive 12 points for the 'moving around' activity,
• letter from a medical professional confirming the details and severity of your walking or learning disability,
• an education health and care plan (EHCP) - must confirm type and severity of learning or walking disability.

For further details on the Gold Card companion pass, including a full list of criteria, please visit derbyshire.gov.uk/gold.

Residents who already have a Gold Card and want to add a companion pass have to contact their borough or district council. Residents without a Gold Card who wish to apply for a Gold Card companion pass need to apply through the council website at derbyshire.gov.uk/gold.

The companion pass does not include travel in the city of Derby or in other council areas. Gold Card holders can also travel free-of-charge from 9.30am Monday to Friday or anytime at weekends on Derbyshire Connect Dial-a-Bus 'shopping' buses and Derbyshire on Demand service.