Travelling and Transport as a carer

Unpaid carers tend to travel more often than most people due to the nature of their caring roles, such as attending what can feel like a never-ending series of hospital and GP appointments for the person you care for. Fortunately, you can access a range of local, regional, and national schemes as a carer to help ease some of the pressures and costs that can come with travel and transport.

We've collated a list of the best opportunities available to those caring for people who live in Gateshead, please be sure to read and share with anyone who will find this useful. Naturally, as new schemes pop up, we will update this webpage but know that if you're caring for someone who lives in Gateshead, please consider contacting our team for support with your caring role! After telling us about your situation and what you would like support with, we can let you know about the most recent and relevant opportunities for you! 

Get support from us by filling in our online self-referral form >

On this page

  • Young Adult Carers (16-25) Free Bus and Metro Travel Pass
  • Motability
  • TaxiCard
  • Metro Companion card
  • Disabled Persons Railcard

Young Adult Carers (16-25) Free Bus and Metro Travel Pass

Offered by Newcastle Carers

If you're aged between 16 and 25 and caring for a loved one, you may be able to eligible to apply for a free travel card, giving young carers a season ticket across Metro, bus and ferry. This pass will remain valid until March 2026 or until the young carer's 26th birthday, whichever comes first.

How to apply for a Travel Card?

You must register your details and caring role with Newcastle Carers and complete their Travel Pass Application Form which needs to be then sent to [email protected].

Learn more and apply for a free Travel Card >>

Motability

Offered by the Motability Foundation

Motability is a national scheme offering those in receipt of certain benefits access to mobility support such as a car, adaptations to your car, or a mobility scooter.

How can I apply for Motability?

You can apply using their online form.

You may be eligible if you are in receipt of, and have at least 12 months left on your award on one of the following benefits;

  • Higher rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
  • War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

Learn more and apply for the Motability Scheme >>

đŸ“· Nexus

TaxiCard

Offered by Nexus

The TaxiCard scheme helps people with mobility difficulties by offering discounts to travel independently. You can be issued a special Taxi Card which has an annual amount of £225 that can only be spent on approved taxi companies. For each journey you take by taxi, you can get £3 off from the TaxiCard, you will have to pay for the extra amount yourself.

How do I apply for a TaxiCard?

TaxiCard is an annual scheme which can only be applied for during two application windows per year.

To apply, you must be registered as severely visually impaired or blind, or qualify for at least one of the following benefits;

  • High Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
  • Higher Rate Attendance Allowance
  • Scored a minimum of 8 points in the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Learn more and apply for the TaxiCard >>

Companion Card

Offered by Nexus

If you often travel with the person you care for, consider getting a Companion Card. This allows the person you care for to bring a companion with them free of charge. If you have a Metro Gold Card, your Companion Card will be valid on the Metro too.

How do I apply for the Companion Card?

You will need to complete a Companion Card application form and send it to Nexus. To request one, you will need to call Nexus Customer Relations on 0191 20 20 747.

To qualify for a Companion Card, you must receive one of the following;

  • Higher Rate Care Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • High Rate Attendance Allowance
  • Scored at least 8 points in either the Communicating Verbally or Planning, or Following Journey sections of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence (PIP) 
  • The mobility component of the War Disablement Pension (WDP)

Learn more and apply for a Companion Card >>

Disabled Persons Railcard

Offered by National Rail

If you are disabled or have a progressive medical condition you are eligible to receive discounts on National Rail train tickets thanks to the Disabled Persons Railcard. Get 33% off National Rail train tickets across the UK for a disabled person and an adult companion. The Railcard costs £20 per year or £54 for 3 years.

How do I apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard?

Apply online using the online application form on the Disable Persons Railcard website.

To qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard, you must receive one of the following;

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
  • Higher or Lower Rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • The Higher or Middle Rate of the Care Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme

Learn more and apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard >>

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