Somerset Travel Advice
Please find below links to transport options that you may find helpful in planning your travel to your NHS appointments:
Public transport – bus, train, or coach.
For bus and train routes, connections and times contact Traveline call 0871 200 2233 (calls from landlines cost 12p per minute)
or visit Plan Your Journey | Traveline.
Also visit Think Travel : Homepage for advice and information on using public transport. If you have a bus pass or rail card, you may be able to choose an appointment time when you can use your pass for free or reduced-price travel.
Information on Community Transport and Volunteer Car Schemes operating in Somerset can be found at Community transport in Somerset and Community car scheme directory
Car Share Devon – Free website which matches drivers and passengers from across Somerset who are doing the same of similar journeys. Register online to enjoy the benefits of meeting new people, reducing congestion and saving money. Liftshare in Somerset
Taxis or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) – You can search the internet or contact local information services for details of taxis or WAV providers in your area.
Help with travel costs. (HTCS)
Patients (and sometimes their escort) who are under the care of a consultant or who have been referred by their GP, dentist or optician may be entitled to help with travel, parking and toll costs. Help is available to anyone who receives:
•Income support
•Income based Job Seekers Allowance
•Income related Employment and Support Allowance
•Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
•An NHS Tax Credit exemption certificate
•Universal Credit (not all claimants, check on www.nhs.uk)
•On a low income and is named on certificate HC2 or HC3 – to apply for a certificate, complete form HC1
How to reclaim – Eligible patients can reclaim their travel costs on the day of travel where a cash office is available, by showing proof they are eligible and receipts/tickets, or by post within 3 months of the journey using form HC5(T). You can ask for forms HC1 and HC5(T) at hospitals, other clinics or from the number below.
To find out more, call the national helpline on 0300 330 1343, and ask for leaflet “Help with Health Costs” or visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/
Information from :The Patient Transport Advice Centre | SCW Care Navigation Service NHS South, Central and West
