County Advice overview
First Buses have produced cards called Extra Help to Travel cards and Safe Journey Cards for people who have a disability to use on their buses. They are available from Travel shops or you can download one using the link below:
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/uploads/node_images/Safe_Journey_Card.pdf
Key tips for Planning your journey
When planning a journey by bus, things to consider might be “Where is my nearest bus stop?” and “What bus number do I need?”. You may also want to think about buying your ticket, what it will cost, can you pay by cash or card and can you buy it in advance online. Be aware that online tickets for buses are often non-refundable if you cannot make your journey.
Buses can only stop at marked bus stops, so you need to be sure where you are getting off in advance. If you are not sure, the bus driver should be happy to help you. Ask the driver to let you know when your stop is coming up. You may need to consider if the nearest bus stop is accessible if you are travelling with a scooter or wheelchair.
My journey. Can help with advice about travel choices in your area that may result in saving you time and money.
Network West Midlands – Plan my journey
Solent Go
If you are a frequent traveller, the Solent Go travel card is a handy travelcard that you top up as you go. It can be used on buses and ferries throughout West Midlands.
Journey planning
Local bus providers have journey planners and will be able to help you with information about your journey.
Traveline is a partnership of transport companies, local authorities and passenger groups which have come together to bring you routes and times for all travel in Great Britain by bus, rail, coach and ferry and to provide it in as many different ways as possible.
You can check when the next buses in the Worcester area are due at your chosen stop here: Network West Midlands – Plan my journey
If you are travelling outside the county, NextBuses website will help you search for bus timetables and your nearest bus stop.
You can put in your postcode to find your nearest stop and the next bus due https://nextbuses.mobi/
Operators
Stage Coach
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/
First Bus
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/southampton
Help with cost – Concessionary Travel
Older Person’s Bus Pass
Concessionary bus passes are available for older people who have reached state pension age and resident in Hampshire. The older person’s bus pass entitles you to free travel on bus services throughout England from 9.30am to 11am Monday to Friday and all day at Weekends and on public holidays.
Residents of West Midlands, can apply via Worcestershire Council
Apply for a Pensioner Bus Pass | Apply for a Pensioner Bus Pass | Worcestershire County Council
Disabled Person’s Bus pass
If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Person’s bus pass you can apply because of a disability. There is no upper age restriction for the disabled person’s bus pass.
Information on eligibility is available here:
Apply for a Disabled Bus Pass | Apply for a Disabled Bus Pass | Worcestershire County Council
Travelling with mobility equipment
Wheelchairs and Scooters
All First buses and Stagecoach buses are built for easy-access with low floors,
All low floor buses have a dedicated area for wheelchair/scooter users; other passengers are required to give up the space for wheelchair/scooter users.
When your low floor bus arrives at the bus stop you can ask the driver to lower the step and/or ramp to allow you to board.
Wheelchair/scooter users have priority over everyone else for the use of the designated wheelchair space since this is the only place in which they can travel safely.
If the bus is full or there is already a wheelchair/scooter user on board it may not be possible not be able to carry another wheelchair/scooter user.
Assistance Dogs
All recognised guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed to travel for free on all buses