Whether you’re commuting, visiting friends, or exploring Derbyshire, there are a range of accessible travel options to help you get where you need to go. From buses and trains to taxis and community transport, services are designed to support people with mobility needs, disabilities, and other requirements. This page brings together practical information on transport assistance, payment options, and useful resources so you can plan your journey with confidence.
To find information about Home to School Transport, please visit:
Derbyshire Local Offer - Home to School Transport
Buses
As stated in the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) 2000, all public service buses and coaches with more than 22 passenger seats used on local or scheduled services require features such as:
- Low floors or ramps / lifts
- Designated wheelchair spaces
- Priority seating
- Handrails and visible stop buttons
- Audio and visual announcements
To view a list of bus companies operating in Derbyshire and surrounding areas, please visit:
Derbyshire County Council - Bus and train timetables
Trains
As stated in the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) and the Equality Act 2010, all passenger trains and stations in the UK must meet accessibility standards. These include:
- Step-free boarding solutions (such as ramps or level access where possible)
- Designated wheelchair spaces and wide through routes
- Priority seating for disabled and older passengers
- Handrails and contrasting surfaces for better visibility
- Accessible toilet on trains where toilets are provided
- Clear audio and visual passenger information systems
- Assistance services like Passenger Assist for boarding, alighting, and luggage support
- Alternative accessible transport if a station is not step-free
To view a list of train operators and their accessibility offering, and to learn about booking accessible tickets, discount fares, disabled rail cards and assisted travel, please visit: National Rail - Passenger Assist
To book tickets for train travel, please visit:
Accessible Taxis
The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 places duties on taxi and private hire drivers. These include:
- Not refusing service to a passenger with a disability who wishes to travel
- Not charging extra for carrying a passenger with a disability or their mobility aids
- Providing reasonable assistance, such as helping the passenger enter or exit the vehicle and loading their wheelchair or mobility equipment
- For designated wheelchair-accessible vehicles:
- Carrying the passenger while seated in their wheelchair if requested
- Securing the wheelchair safely during the journey
- Offering assistance without any additional charge
To find an accessible taxi suitable for your requirements, we recommend talking to local companies to find out what they offer and how they can support you.
Community Transport
Organisations throughout Derbyshire are available to help you to get out and about. These organisations aim to suit everyone's individual needs. Some organisations may not suit everyone's individual needs, therefore, we recommend contacting them to find out how they can help you.
Other travel assistance
Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme is a UK-wide initiative that provides parking concessions for people with severe mobility issues or certain disabilities. It allows badge holders to park closer to their destination, often in designated spaces, and benefit from exemptions from some on-street parking restrictions. The scheme is intended for on-street parking, though many private car parks also offer concessions. Blue Badges typically last up to three years and cost up to £10 in England. Applications are managed by the local authority.
For more information about eligibility, and how to apply, please visit:
Derbyshire County Council - Blue Badge Scheme
Access Card
The Access Card, sometimes known as CredAbility Card, or a Nimbus Card uses easy-to-understand symbols to show any disabilities or needs you have. These symbols help others know what support you might need quickly and quietly. The card can also help you get cheaper tickets and special adjustments without having to explain lots of personal details or have long conversations.
For more information about eligibility, and how to apply, please visit:
Access Card - Making Access Easy
Derbyshire Gold Card
The Derbyshire Gold Card is a combined travel and library card for older residents and people with certain disabilities. It provides free off-peak bus travel across Derbyshire and the rest of England from 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and bank holidays. Gold Card holders can register the card as a library card at any Derbyshire library. Eligibility is based on reaching state pension age or meeting specific disability criteria. Applications are managed by the Local Authority.
For more information about eligibility, and how to apply, please visit:
Derbyshire County Council - Gold Card
Euan's Guide
Euan's Guide is a UK-based website and charity that provides disabled access reviews for places like restaurants, attractions, and transport hubs. It helps people find and share accessibility information, making it easier to plan visits with confidence. Users can read and write reviews, list venues, and join campaigns such as the Red Cord Card for accessible toilet safety.
For more information, and to see how you can get involved, please visit:
Euan's Guide - Disabled Access Information
Independent Travel Training
Derbyshire County Council are currently engaged in evaluating the Independent Travel Training (ITT) offer and would like to extend sincere gratitude to National Star for all the support, encouragement and training they have provided to members of our community over the years. Young people have entered adulthood being able to benefit from ITT and other areas of the Preparing for Adulthood outcomes. DCC recognise that young people need ITT and are developing this in line with our wider transport practices.
To enquire about Independent Travel Training, please email: sendtransport@derbyshire.gov.uk
Special assistance at UK airports
Special assistance is also available at most UK airports and helps people with mobility and non-mobility issues. Information for Birmingham, Manchester and East Midlands airports can be found on their websites.