The taxicard scheme

The taxicard scheme offers reduced fares in black cabs for people who have a long term or permanent illness or disability, which prevents them from using or significantly limits their use of public transport.

The cabs in the scheme carry ramps and are accessible to wheelchair user. Please note that the scheme is not available to people who suffer temporary disabilities, for example a broken leg.

The taxicard may be used for any type of journey, for example shopping, visiting friends, GP appointments, but should not be used for hospital appointments, for which the health authority should provide transport.

View the link for further information about taxicards www.taxicard.org.uk

• Payments
• Automatic
• Assessment
• Taxicard banding system

Payments

For each trip you take in a cab with your taxicard, you will have to pay the first £1.50. The council will then pay up to £10.30. If the trip costs more than the total of these amounts - £11.80 - you will have to pay the extra. In other words, you will have to pay anything over £11.80, plus another £1.50. If you wish to tip the driver this will have to be paid for by you.

All Taxicard holders must be: Ordinarily resident in Tower Hamlets

Automatic eligibility

You are automatically eligible for a Taxicard if:

• are registered blind - confirmed by BD8 form or LBTH registration letter; or
• receive the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance - confirmed by a current award letter or copies of your payment book (front cover showing name and address and the page showing the breakdown of your payments); or
• receive a war pensioner's mobility supplement - confirmed by a current award letter

Assessed eligibility

All other applicants are assessed under LBTH discretionary criteria

Once you have been assessed as eligible, or if you are automatically eligible, we will then need to assess which banding you are entitled to.

Taxicard banding system

In Tower Hamlets, there are 4 Taxicard bands:

• Band 1 gives up to 4 journeys a month
• Band 2 gives up to 8 journeys a month
• Band 3 gives up to 12 journeys a month
• Band 4 gives up to 16 journeys a month

The band you are awarded is determined under LBTH criteria.

Any unused journeys can be carried forward for use in subsequent months.

Contact mobility support for more information

Pid No: 275