Accessible transport
If you’re disabled, an older adult, or recovering from illness or injury, travelling around Lewisham may sometimes be difficult. That’s why a range of accessible transport options are available to help you stay independent - whether you’re attending appointments, visiting friends, doing your shopping, or getting out into the community.
This page outlines the full range of local accessible transport services, including NHS patient transport, Freedom Passes, Dial-a-Ride, Blue Badges, community transport and volunteer driver schemes.
NHS patient transport services
If you have a medical need that makes it hard to travel on your own, you may be eligible for free NHS non-emergency transport.
Who it's for:
- patients attending outpatient appointments
- people being discharged from hospital
- individuals unable to use public or community transport due to medical needs
Info:
- service provided by: HATS Group
- covers: University Hospital Lewisham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and community settings
- book a journey: 020 3929 4088
- general enquiries: complaints@hatsgroup.com
- Lewisham and Greenwich NHS - patient transport
TaxiCard scheme (London Councils)
TaxiCard helps residents with mobility issues travel by subsidised taxi or minicab when public transport isn’t accessible.
- pay reduced fares
- use black cabs or minicabs
- book by phone, app or online
Eligibility: Permanent mobility or sight impairment and difficulty using public transport
Dial-a-Ride (TfL)
TfL’s Dial-a-Ride is a free door-to-door minibus service for people who can't use buses or trains.
- wheelchair accessible vehicles
- friendly, trained drivers
- great for shopping, social visits or day centres
- eligibility: Mobility-related benefits or aged 85+
Freedom Pass
The Freedom Pass gives free travel on most London public transport services.
Two types:
- for older people (state pension age)
- for people with disabilities (aged 18+)
- free travel on buses, tubes, trains, trams and DLR
- use in London and some surrounding areas
Freedom Pass (London Councils)
Blue Badge parking scheme
Blue Badges help people with severe mobility difficulties park closer to where they need to go.
- use disabled parking bays and resident bays
- park on yellow lines (up to 3 hours)
- some exemptions from congestion charges
- available for drivers and passengers
- applications may require supporting medical or benefit evidence
Apply for a Blue Badge (GOV.UK)
Lewisham Community Transport Scheme (LCTS)
A not-for-profit scheme offering minibus travel for:
- community and voluntary groups
- individuals with mobility needs
- accessible vehicles
- use for social events, shopping, therapy, and more
- bookings available all year round
- Leemore Centre, 29-39 Clarendon Rise, SE13 5ES, tel. 020 8318 5900
Community Connections Transport (Age UK Lewisham)
Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to help people who can’t use public transport.
Who it’s for:
- vulnerable or disabled residents
- isolated adults needing support for appointments or outings
Info
- £10 return journeys in Lewisham
- email: transport@ageuklands.org.uk
- Community Connections Transport info
- book online or call for one-off or regular journeys
Volunteer
You can help people stay connected by volunteering as a community driver.
Why volunteer?
- meet new people
- boost your confidence
- get free training and support
- make a huge difference to someone’s life
Apply to volunteer with Age UK Lewisham
Travel advice and support
If you're unsure which transport service is right for you, contact:
Travel Coordination Team, tel. 020 3049 1204 or email tct@lewisham.gov.uk
They can help you:
- choose the right option
- complete forms and applications
- get support with travel arrangements linked to social care
Help with travel costs
If you receive care and support from Lewisham Council, you may qualify for:
- help with transport to assessments or services
- support through a personal budget
- disability-related transport costs during your financial assessment
Speak to your social worker or care coordinator.