Public, community and accessible transport for children and young people with SEND

There is a range of public, community and accessible transport in Dorset, for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Buses and trains

Buses

Bus and coach services must make adjustments or give help to people who are disabled. Such as help getting on and off the bus.

See bus and coach routes and timetables in Dorset.

Bus pass

You may be eligible for a bus pass which gives you free travel on buses:

• Monday to Friday during off peaks times
• anytime during the weekend or public holidays

Find out if you can get a bus pass.

If you need to travel during peak times, and your child is in college or further education, you may be able to get a student pass bus. Contact a Dorset bus operator to find out your options.

Trains

If you think you'll need help accessing a train service, speak to the train company in advance to arrange support. If you have a wheelchair, mainline trains will have allocated space for your wheelchair.

Check what accessible facilities are available at your local station or speak to a train company to make special arrangements.

You can get cheaper train tickets with a disabled persons railcard. Find out if you can get a railcard.

Taxis and minicabs

You can get a licensed taxi by booking in advance or going to a taxi rank. You can only get a minicab by booking in advance.

Contact your local taxi service to find out whether they can support your needs.

If you have an assistance dog, the taxi or minicab must allow the dog in the vehicle. They can only say no if they have an exemption certificate. This will be a yellow 'notice of exemption' notice displayed in their windscreen.

Community transport services

Community transport services can help you if you have trouble or do not want to use public transport. You can use them for:

• trips on your own or a group
• organised trips
• to get around your local town
• shopping
• to get to medical appointments

These include:

• voluntary care schemes
• car sharing
• flexible bus service. This is where there are no set routes so the bus can stop at your chosen stop, if booked in advance
• mini buses and vehicles for hire

Find out if a community transport service is accessible.

Accessible transport schemes

If you find existing transport hard to use due to your needs, you can use an accessible transport scheme.