Going by rail: Help with costs

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Disabled Persons Railcard

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 of the price of many different types of rail ticket.

From 6 September 2006 the price of the one-year railcard is £18. It is also possible to purchase a railcard valid for three years. The three-year railcard will cost £48. Both types of railcard gives the holder the same level of additional discounts when used to purchase other goods or services. It also gives the holder additional discounts when used to purchase other goods or services. Full details and a list of those eligible are available on the National Rail website, which also has a downloadable application form available at: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk. Application forms are also available from the Disabled Persons Railcard Office helpline 0845 605 0525 (textphone 0845 601 0132) or by writing to the Disabled Persons Railcard Office, PO Box 163, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE12 8WX.

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 Visually Impaired 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 leaflet 'Rail Travel made Easy' downloadable from the Railcard website: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/making-rail-travel-easier or 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.