To qualify for a Gold Card, people need to be either over the state retirement age, which is currently 66, or regardless of age have a disability from a list drawn up by the Government. This includes people who are:
- blind or partially sighted
- profoundly or severely deaf
- without speech
- without arms or have the long-term loss of the use of both arms
- have a long-term disability which seriously impairs their ability to walk - this may include Blue Badge holders
- have a learning disability
- are disqualified from driving on medical grounds (this may include people with a severe mental disorder)
We are now proposing that some disabled Gold Card holders have the ability to take someone with them, for free, on buses.
Our Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit, explains:
“We recognise that even with the free travel which the Gold Card provides, using the bus can be a particular issue for people with severe disabilities. And we’ve had many residents ask us to look at providing a companion pass.
“So we are asking for views on us providing a companion pass which would allow certain disabled Gold Card holders who need help to travel to take a companion or carer with them on the bus free of charge.”
We are proposing that those that are eligible for a Companion Pass would need to be either:
- Registered blind
- Have a severe walking disability which means they are physically unable to get on or off the bus without the assistance of another person
- Have a severe learning disability which means they need to be accompanied or supervised at all times
The consultation opens today (Wednesday 9 August) and closes on Wednesday 4 October. Take part in the Gold Card consultation.