An easy access standard ticket, also known as an accessible ticket, is a type of railway ticket that provides assistance and accommodations for passengers with disabilities or restricted mobility. This allows people who need extra support to travel comfortably and safely on trains.
What are the requirements for an easy access ticket?
To qualify for an easy access ticket, passengers need to have a disability that impacts their mobility. This includes:
- Wheelchair users
- Blind or visually impaired passengers
- Deaf or hard of hearing passengers
- Those with restricted mobility due to age, injury, or medical condition
Proof of disability is usually required in the form of a Blue Badge, documentation from a doctor, or certification from a recognized disability organization. The requirements can vary between train operating companies so it’s best to check with them directly.
What kind of assistance is provided with an easy access ticket?
There are several benefits offered with an easy access rail ticket. These services make it simpler for disabled travelers to navigate stations and board trains.
- Assisted boarding: Staff are on hand at stations to provide ramps, wheelchairs, or other help getting on and off the train.
- Priority seating: Wheelchair spaces and seats near doors are reserved for passengers with easy access tickets.
- Assistance finding seats: Staff can guide visually impaired customers to suitable seat locations.
- Help with luggage: Porters can assist with loading and unloading luggage.
- Accessible facilities: Stations have accessible toilets, lowered counters, and other features to accommodate different needs.
- Clear announcements: Audio and visual travel updates are provided.
How do you get an easy access ticket?
Easy access tickets can be purchased in several ways:
- Online through the train company’s website.
- Over the phone by calling the train company’s disability booking line.
- In person at staffed ticket offices and stations.
- Using ticket vending machines that have an accessible option.
When booking, passengers need to specify that they require an easy access ticket. Providing details on the assistance needed also allows staff to prepare and provide appropriate help.
How much does an easy access ticket cost?
The pricing for easy access rail tickets depends on the train operating company and the type of ticket purchased. However, in general:
- Easy access tickets cost the same as standard fares for the same journey.
- Discounted railcards can be used to reduce the price of easy access tickets.
- Companion tickets are available allowing one companion to travel free.
It’s worth comparing an easy access advance fare against the cost of a standard ticket bought on the day of travel. Advance fares are usually cheaper so it can mean significant savings.
Refunds and changes to easy access tickets
Refunds and changes follow the general ticket terms and conditions. However, train companies tend to offer more flexibility for easy access bookings. This includes:
- Free changes to journey time or date for advance tickets.
- Refunds available on unused tickets up to day of travel.
- Ability to transfer tickets to a companion in some cases.
Check with the specific rail company as their policies can differ. Provide notice as early as possible when requesting changes.
Arranging assistance for your journey
When an easy access ticket is purchased, passengers can book assistance for their journey. It’s recommended to arrange this at least 24 hours in advance.
Assistance can be requested through the train company’s website, mobile app, phone line, or ticket office. Be ready to provide details of your itinerary including stations, train times, and what help is needed boarding, disembarking, or changing trains.
Make sure assistance is confirmed before setting out to ensure staff are notified and available. If assistance has not been arranged, speak to station staff when arriving and they will do their best to provide help.
Travel tips when using an easy access ticket
Here are some helpful tips for using an easy access rail ticket:
- Arrive early – allow extra time in case of delays or cancellations.
- Confirm platform numbers in advance and request assistance if needed identifying or reaching the right platform.
- Take it slowly – don’t feel rushed when boarding or finding a seat.
- Listen carefully for announcements and let staff know if you have any questions.
- Check the accessible toilet locations and decide if they meet your needs.
- Bring food and medications needed for longer journeys.
- Make sure all luggage and mobility aids are labelled with your details.
Following these tips will help ensure your easy access journey goes smoothly.
Easy access tickets on different UK train companies
While all train operating companies offer some form of easy access ticket, the specific names, terms and assistance can vary between providers. Here are some details on major UK rail companies:
Easy access tickets on Avanti West Coast
- Ticket name: Passenger Assist
- Discounted fares available with a Disabled Persons Railcard
- Companion tickets let one person travel free
- Can take scooters and mobility aids up to 70cm x 120cm
Easy access tickets on Great Western Railway
- Ticket name: Passenger Assist
- Need to book at least 24 hours before traveling
- Provide ramps for train access at unstaffed stations
- Allow guide dogs to travel free
Easy access tickets on Greater Anglia
- Ticket name: Passenger Assist
- Accessible information in multiple formats (large print, audio)
- Ability to purchase tickets and assistance in one booking
- Dedicated assistance app for additional support
Easy access tickets on London North Eastern Railway
- Ticket name: Assisted Travel
- Free travel for companions of disabled customers
- Discounted fares for people with hearing loss
- Assistance dogs can travel free in First Class
Easy access tickets on Northern
- Ticket name: Assisted Travel
- Online booking available through website or app
- Provide a mobility scooter card for regular users
- Ability to book assistance 24 hours a day
This overview shows some of the common features as well as unique offerings from major UK rail providers when using an easy access ticket. Reaching out to individual train companies directly can provide more specific information on the assistance and facilities they provide.
The application process for an easy access railcard
An easy access railcard from Railcard.co.uk provides 1/3 off fares for passengers with a disability. Here is an overview of how to apply:
- Determine eligibility – you must have a disability that affects mobility or deems you unfit to travel alone.
- Get proof of disability – this can be from a government-issued card or a letter from your doctor or support organization.
- Purchase railcard – 1 year railcards cost £20 and can be bought online, by phone, or at a staffed station.
- Upload proof – when buying online, upload a photo/scan showing proof of your disability.
- Receive railcard – it will be sent via post within 7 working days.
- Add railcard when booking tickets to get 1/3 off fares.
The railcard must be carried when travelling. It is valid for 1 year then needs renewing. Make sure to reupload proof of disability each time you renew an easy access railcard.
Who qualifies for an easy access railcard?
To be eligible for an easy access railcard, you must be aged 5 or above and have one of the following disabilities lasting at least 12 months:
- Be a wheelchair or scooter user
- Be visually impaired
- Be hearing impaired
- Be unable to walk distances or climb stairs
- Have restricted mobility due to arthritis or other disorders
- Have epilepsy, dementia, cognitive impairment, or another non-visible disability
Proof must be provided confirming you meet these disability criteria. People receiving certain state benefits may also automatically qualify. Anyone deemed unfit to travel alone by their doctor can also apply.
Benefits of using an easy access railcard
There are several advantages to having an easy access railcard:
- Get 1/3 off adult rail fares across the UK – saving money on travel costs
- No need to rebook tickets – just show railcard when traveling
- Use it alongside an easy access ticket for extra discounts
- Valid on Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance, First Class tickets
- Can be used with other railcards like Two Together, Family & Friends
- Transferable discounts – nominated companion can also get 1/3 off
An easy access railcard makes train travel more affordable for people with disabilities. Given typical rail fares, it can mean over £100 in savings for regular travelers.
How to use your easy access railcard
Using an easy access railcard is straightforward:
- Book train tickets online, by phone, or at a station as normal.
- When prompted, select that you have a Disabled Persons Railcard.
- 1/3 off the fare will automatically be applied.
- Show your easy access railcard when purchasing tickets.
- Keep your railcard handy and show it along with tickets onboard trains when asked.
You need to have the physical railcard with you for travel as discounts will not apply without it. Lost, stolen or damaged cards can be replaced – report it as soon as possible.
Train companies that accept easy access railcards
The Disabled Persons Railcard allows discounted travel on all major UK train companies. Some providers include:
- Avanti West Coast
- c2c
- Chiltern Railways
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Gatwick Express
- Grand Central
- Great Western Railway
- Greater Anglia
- Heathrow Express
Plus LNER, London Northwestern Railway, Lumo, Merseyrail, Northern, ScotRail, Southeastern, Southern, South Western Railway, Stansted Express, Thameslink, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales, and West Midlands Trains also accept the railcard.
Virtually all domestic rail services offer easy access discounts. Valid on Eurostar to Europe as well but not most local metro or light rail networks.
Restrictions when using an easy access railcard
While easy access railcards make train travel cheaper, there are some restrictions to be aware of:
- Only covers discounts on fares for card holder – companion must pay full fare unless transferring the discount.
- Not valid for Season tickets or most London pay-as-you-go services (Tube, DLR, London Overground).
- Discounts only apply to fares above any minimum fare level.
- May not be valid in conjunction with certain other promotional fares or deals.
- Must still book easy access tickets and assistance for a full accessible journey.
Check all terms and conditions carefully when buying and using tickets. Contact rail providers directly with any questions on how discounts apply.
Summary of key points about easy access rail tickets
Here are the key takeaways when it comes to easy access rail tickets:
- Provide assistance and accommodations for disabled passengers
- Must meet eligibility criteria like being a wheelchair user
- Get help boarding trains, reserving seats, luggage assistance
- Book through rail company websites, phone lines, stations
- Arrange assistance at least 24 hours in advance
- Arrive early and confirm arrangements before traveling
- Costs are generally the same as standard fares
- Easy access railcards offer 1/3 off journeys for disabled travelers
Easy access tickets aim to make rail travel accessible for all. Following booking procedures and journey tips can ensure you get appropriate assistance and support.
Conclusion
Easy access tickets allow passengers with disabilities and restricted mobility to travel comfortably on UK trains. They provide various accommodations like assisted boarding, help finding seats, and reserving wheelchair spaces. To qualify, passengers must have a disability lasting at least 12 months with proof required. Tickets cost the standard fare but railcards give 1/3 off journeys. Booking assistance in advance and arriving early ensures you get the help needed for your accessible journey. Check with individual rail providers as their specific schemes, facilities and ticket terms can vary.