Access Bus

The Access Bus scheme caters for people who have problems getting out and about. How old you are or whether or not you receive a services from the council does not affect your entitlement.

The only qualification is that you must have some form of genuine mobility problem and this can range from problems with walking, being a wheelchair user, having a sensory impairment (blindness, deafness), breathing problems of difficulty getting to a local bus stop because of your health.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible please do not hesitate to contact the Travel Response Centre on 0191 3835383.

How to Register

The service is designed to be used by people who have a mobility problem and therefore restricted to members only.
To register for the service you will need to complete the membership application form.

Once you have completed the form you will need to return it to the address below enclosing a nominal £1.00 membership fee. Please note that all cheques and postal orders should be made payable to Durham County Council.

Your membership will be processed within 7 working days and you will receive a membership card with your identity number. Once you have received your card you will be able to make a booking.

Booking a Place on the Access Bus

To book a place on the bus please telephone the number printed on the card quoting your name and address, a place will then be reserved providing there is space available. Bookings are taken no sooner than 10 days in advance of your journey. For example, if the journey you wish to take is on Friday 18 February bookings will be taken on Tuesday 8 February for that trip. If the booking date falls on a weekend - bookings will be taken on the following Monday. For example, if the journey you wish to take is on Tuesday 22nd February bookings will be taken on Monday 14 February.

Escorts

Passengers may bring an escort if they wish, the escort could be a family member, neighbour or friend. Escorts do not have to be registered with the Access Bus.

How Does the Bus Operate

Once you have reserved your place on the Access Bus you will be collected from your door at an allocated time and returned at a set departure time. Find out bus pick up points.

If you would like to know more about our services, please contact:

Travel Response Centre
Integrated Transport Unit
Environment
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3835383
Fax: 0191 3833084
Minicom: 0191 3725393
Email: Social Care and Health