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The Thistle Travel Card Scheme will make it easier for you to use bus, train or taxi services. |
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The Thistle Travel Card was launched in September 2002. It was the result of the work of a consortium of organisations led by ENABLE, the largest learning disability charity in Scotland, to improve access to public transport for people who might have difficulty in using it.
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Many people have difficulty knowing which bus or train to get, when to get off, how to read timetables or how to count out the correct fare.
It is hoped that the Thistle Travel Card will help transport staff recognise that someone needs help with their journey and what sort of assistance they need. |
Training guidelines have been distributed to many bus and train operators throughout Scotland. There are plans to extend the scheme to cover taxis depending on funding.
The scheme has been introduced by voluntary organisations who represent people with learning and / or physical disabilities, people with dementia and people with epilepsy. It is supported by the Scottish Executive and transport companies throughout Scotland.
How does the Card Scheme work?
If you have difficulty using public transport because of
- your age
- disability
- illness
- lack of confidence
you can carry a card. It is specially designed with a Thistle logo. When you show the card to transport staff they will recognise that you may need extra help during your journey.
On the back of a card is a clear plastic wallet. You can put extra information in here, for example the name of the place you are travelling to, or an emergency contact number.
You don't have to register for the scheme. You just have to carry a card and show it to transport staff if you need help. The card does not entitle you to a concessionary or discounted fare.
What kind of things can the card help you with?
You may just need time to find a seat before the vehicle moves off.
You may have difficulty remembering the place you have to get off.
Sometimes you may get into special difficulty, like getting on the wrong bus or train.
Here are some of the things transport staff can do to help:
- Count out money or change
- Check that you know where you are going and what stop to get off
- Tell you when you have arrived at the place you are travelling to
- Allow time for you to sit down on a seat before moving off
- Tell you information about your journey rather than giving you a written timetable
- Use bus stop bays to make it easier for you to get on and off
- Operate special equipment like ramps
Where do I get a card?
Thistle Travel Cards are available from:
- transport booking offices
- concessionary travel offices
- First Stop Shops
- Libraries
Or alternatively, contact Enable on 0141 226 4541.
If you lose your card, just go back to the place you where you got your first one. They will give you another one.
Why is the Scheme important?
There are lots of people like you throughout Scotland who are unable to use public transport.
This means you depend on family, friends or carers to take you out to do the kind of things most people take for granted - going to the shops, day trips, nights out to the cinema or theatre, visiting family or friends.
The travel will give you the confidence to make a journey because you know that the transport staff will be better able to recognise, and offer, the help you may need. You also know that if you get into difficulty, you have a means of getting help.
The travel card scheme was first tested out in Ayrshire and West Lothian. Here is what people who have used the scheme said about it:
- I felt much happier to go on the bus by myself knowing that I had my card with me if I got stuck
- My card helped me to get help when I nearly got off at the wrong stop
- I went to the pictures on Saturday afternoon with my friend and we used the bus to get there. It felt good
Please use the contact us box at the right if you have any questions .
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