Council
Community transport
The council operates a fleet of vehicles that support its many services in the local community. Transport services provides, manages and maintains all of these vehicles. The council has its own vehicle workshops which also has a public MOT testing station.
Transport services also provides and manages the statutory transport needs of children and adults with special educational needs.
Additionally, it operates the underground refuse collection service for the council’s street services division.
Tower Hamlets offers the following financial help for elderly or disabled residents who are not able to travel by car:
Taxicards
The taxicard scheme offers reduced fares in black cabs for people who have a long term or permanent illness or disability which prevents them using public transport. The taxicard may be used for any type of journey, for example shopping, visiting friends and GP appointments. It should not be used for hospital appointments, for which the health authority should provide transport.
Freedom passes
Freedom passes, which are also known as bus passes, are to provide free public transport in London for people with disabilities who are over five-years-old.
Freedom passes are available for anyone over 60. They are paid for by the council but are issued by the post office on our behalf.
Carers and parents of disabled people are not eligible under this scheme. To be eligible a person must be a resident of Tower Hamlets.
Mobility mini-buses
Mobility mini-buses are available to organisations which are registered with Community Transport, a charity providing transport for the elderly and people with mobility impairment. For more information on this service:
Tel: 0845 130 6195
Visit the www.direct.gov.uk
Dial-a-Ride
This is a door to door mini-bus service for anyone unable to use public transport. The service must be booked 24 hours in advance.
To book a ride telephone: 020 8498 8200
Visit: www.tfl.gov.uk
Shopmobility
Shopmobility schemes operate around the country in town centres and shopping centres. They lend or hire manual or powered wheelchairs and scooters to disabled people who need them to get around town centres and large shopping centres.
All schemes operate independently but you can find out about your nearest scheme by contacting the National Federation of Shopmobility.
Tel: 0845 6442 446
Visit: www.shopmobilityuk.org
Mobility bus services
These are scheduled bus services limited to particular times and days of the week. Buses operate from Tower Hamlets to neighbouring borough communities.
Mobility Bus services are operated by Hackney Community Transport for London Buses.
Tel: 020 7275 2400
E-mail: dai@hctl.demon.co.uk
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out about cheaper bus fares scheme
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