Companion Bus Pass

[sheppeyescapee]

I was wondering if anyone on here has qualified for a companion pass? I have a regular bus pass at the moment but I can't manage it on my own at the moment and have been told that if I need a carer to come on the bus with me I would have to get a companion pass. I cannot get to the bus stop without help, I need help with communicating with bus drivers as I find buses very overloading and it hampers my ability to communicate. I'm also worried about fainting on the bus and getting trampled on or people making a massive fuss. I would like to go out more on the bus but with support.

Edit: I did have a look for other posts but I couldn't find any. May be my brain fog going on. If there is another existing post please can someone move this over. Thanks!

[mazza111]

Sheppey - up here the companion card is only given if you are in receipt of middle or higher rate care. It's on the same form that you filled in to get your bus pass.

Don't know if it's regional though, was disappointed we couldn't get one for stacey as she only receives LRC.

[sheppeyescapee]

I am in receipt of HRC of DLA

[mazza111]

Then IF I'm remembering correctly, you may need to apply for a new card, now there's a box to tick on the form that states you're applying for companion card and a statement to say you're in receipt of at least MRC. It's our local social work dept. that deals with it, might be worth while popping in if you can and checking.

[Jess]

Our County have stopped giving out companion bus cards as they are cutting costs. I would contact your council to find out.
But as Mazza has said it may just be filling out a new form and ticking a box for a plus + to be added to your bus card.

[trekster]

When i applied for my bus pass i did write on the form "unsure if i qualify for a companion pass please send me more details".
I've ended up with 2 bus passes now strangely enough. hmmmm

[Flora]

I used to work with adults with learning disabilities, who all had bus passes. Those who could go out on their own got one pass, where those with companion passes always got 2. We were told that this is so that the disabled person and the companion both have a pass when going on the bus. It does seem to change in different areas, so it could be this, or something else!
Flora