Transport and travel
Rail and bus assistance, taxis, Blue Badge, air travel and concessions.
Sample content. This summarises official sources listed below. It is information, not legal advice.
- Jurisdiction
- UK-wide
- Date last checked
- 18 July 2026
- Date last updated
- 5 June 2026
- Next review due
- 5 December 2026
- Version
- 1.1
Key points
- You can request assistance from rail operators, and Passenger Assist can be booked in advance or on the day.
- If a station is not accessible, the operator must provide alternative accessible transport at no extra cost.
- Taxi and private hire drivers must not refuse a wheelchair user or an assistance dog owner, or charge extra, unless they hold an exemption certificate.
- Bus drivers must require a non-wheelchair user to move from the wheelchair space where it is reasonable to do so.
- Blue Badges are issued by councils and can include people with non-visible disabilities.
- A worked example: if a bus driver refuses to ask a non-wheelchair user to move from the wheelchair space, note the vehicle number, time and route, then complain to the operator and, if unresolved, to the relevant transport ombudsman or regulator.
- Ferry and coastal transport operators have similar duties to make reasonable adjustments, though rules can vary by operator.
What you can do
- Note the vehicle or licence number if you are refused, and complain to the licensing council.
- Complain to the operator first, then escalate to the Rail Ombudsman or Bus Users UK.
- Apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard or local concessionary pass.
- Tell airlines about assistance needs, usually at least 48 hours before you fly.
Sources
Equality Act 2010
- Source organisation
- Legislation.gov.uk
- Jurisdiction
- England & Wales
- Legal status
- Legislation
- Date last checked
- 20 July 2026
- Source link
- Equality Act 2010 on Legislation.gov.uk (opens the official website)
Apply for a Blue Badge
- Source organisation
- GOV.UK
- Jurisdiction
- UK-wide
- Legal status
- Official government guidance
- Date last checked
- 18 July 2026
- Source link
- Apply for a Blue Badge on GOV.UK (opens the official website)
Passenger Assist
- Source organisation
- National Rail
- Jurisdiction
- UK-wide
- Legal status
- Charity / third-sector guidance
- Date last checked
- 18 July 2026
- Source link
- Passenger Assist on National Rail (opens the official website)