Posts by James Davidson

New ScotRail App Launched

ScotRail provide details of their newly updated app featuring live journey information. For an even smoother experience, download the new and improved ScotRail App featuring mTickets and live journey information. mTickets are the faster way to buy and use train tickets. Available for Advance, Singles and Returns, you can now buy and download tickets straight to your mobile, instantly. Stored within the app, simply activate your digital ticket with a tap, and scan at the ticket gates to board. Join us in going digital and take the next step towards greener travel. Our Live Times feature keeps you up to
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New Passenger Assistance App for Rail Travel Launched

A new app is now available that aims to make it easier and quicker for disabled people to request assistance for their train journeys, helping people to travel with confidence on Scotland’s railway network. The ‘Passenger Assistance’ app, developed with train operators, will offer passengers the choice to request assistance, update their profile and review their journeys from anywhere using their smartphone. This can speed up assistance bookings and give customers greater confidence on their journeys as they can instantly amend accessibility requirements on their profile via the app. The rail industry has already improved assistance for passengers by replacing
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Accessible Ferries for All

The following information provides an overview of the various accessibility measures that are in place for disabled passengers on CalMac and Serco NorthLink Ferries. CalMac Ferries The travelling public can view information on the help available to passengers by visiting the CalMac website. Passengers can check in advance the facilities that are available at each port by visiting this webpage. Information about the facilities currently available  on CalMac‘s fleet and can be viewed here.   Please note that CalMac are in the process of updating this information and so the information on the website will continually be updated. Serco NorthLink
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Webinar: Improving Traveline Services

Join Disability Equality Scotland as we host a webinar discussion on Monday 24 May, from 1:30pm-3:00pm about accessible journey planning, and the work Transport Scotland and Traveline are doing to improve this experience for disabled people. Transport Scotland is working with Traveline Scotland to understand what changes should be made to improve the travel planning information and associated services currently made available via the Traveline Scotland website and app services. At present, Transport Scotland are engaging various stakeholders ranging from transport operators to Local Authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships and public transport related bodies. They are keen to understand what accessibility
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Everyone Aboard Campaign

Everyone Aboard is a campaign by the Poverty Alliance to extend free bus travel to those with a Universal Credit entitlement and other low-income benefits, and to all young people under 25. Addressing transport poverty in Scotland is a vital part of building an environmentally sustainable society,  ensuring everyone’s human rights can be realised, and of combatting poverty and inequality. The Poverty Alliance is calling for the proposed policy to be implemented and fully funded as a necessary investment in building a more just and compassionate Scotland. They will make the case for extending  the concessionary bus travel scheme  based
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Survey: How Temporary Street Changes During COVID-19 Have Affected You

Spaces for People is a temporary infrastructure programme in Scotland which offers funding and support to make it safer for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for essential trips and exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of monitoring efforts for the Spaces for People temporary infrastructure programme in Scotland, Sustrans is conducting a residents’ survey to assess the impact of temporary street changes (such as cones for pavement widening, pop-up cycle lanes) on peoples’ ability to physically distance and move around safely in their streets. If you live close to one of these measures we would like
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First Bus App Adds Live Chat Function

Get in touch with First Bus by using a new live chat feature on the First Bus App. How to get in touch: Open the App on your mobile device. Head to the ‘Info’ tab. Click ‘Contact customer service’. Select ‘mTicket live chat’ and fill in the form to speak to one of our experts! How First Bus can help: The First Bus customer service team are active from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday and can help you on any subject from account issues, journey planning or payments, to refunds, ticket gifting and other general enquires. Download the First
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Free Vaccine Transport for People with Mobility Challenges

Handicabs (HcL) is offering free transport for people with mobility challenges to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Any person who has challenges with getting out and about due to age, disability, heath issues, additional support needs or geographic remoteness is eligible to use the service. You do not need to be registered with HcL already. Bookings are subject to availability so we recommend passengers call as soon as they have their vaccine appointment. Handicabs will do their very best to help transport as many people as they can, under current guidelines. Call 0131 447 9949 to book for transport in East Lothian, Midlothian or
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Transport Scotland Blue Badge Research

Transport Scotland would like to thank Disability Equality Scotland members   for your participation in the Blue Badge poll on whether the current scheme delivers a user-friendly and effective service to badge holders. The Blue Badge Scheme is designed to enable people with the most severe conditions, who are unable to walk, virtually unable to walk or pose a risk to either themselves or others in traffic, to park close to their destination and who wouldn’t be able to travel at all without that facility. At Transport Scotland, we will soon undertake a programme of work to review the weekly poll
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Traveline: Public Transport Options to and from Vaccination Locations

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available and NHS Scotland is prioritising people who are at the greatest risk. NHS Scotland strongly recommends you get the vaccine as soon as it is offered. Your local NHS health board will get in touch with you to arrange your vaccination appointment when you are eligible. Your vaccination appointment may not take place at your local GP practice. Remember to plan your travel ahead and allow time for public transport journeys. Help with making your travel plans is available at www.travelinescotland.com or 0141 465 1878.
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