This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Thistle Travel Card scheme
03/09/2002
The Thistle Travel Card Scheme to assist people with learing or physical disabilities, people with dementia and epilepsy, to access public transport was officially launched today.
Deputy Transport Minister Lewis Macdonald said it would make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of people across Scotland by helping them travel more frequently on buses and trains.
Last year the Executive awarded ENABLE £50,000 for start-up costs for the scheme, and since then ENABLE has worked with voluntary organisations, local authorities, and transport companies to put it in place.
It involves an easily recognisable card which indicates to transport staff that its holder has a learning or other disability and may require support during their journey on public transport.
Mr Macdonald said:
"I am delighted to officially launch the new Thistle Travel Card today which will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of people. The card is easy to use, easy to recognise, and the guidance that goes with it will make operators more aware of what they can do to help.
"This means that those who are not always confident about using public transport will be encouraged to do so and as a result this card will offer them the independence and freedom which other people might take for granted.
"The Executive is committed to ensuring that we have a transport system in Scotland that is accessible to all, including those with disabilities. I would like to thank ENABLE and their partners for all their hard work, in bringing about the launch of this new scheme."
ENABLE is the largest voluntary organisation for people with learning disabilities in Scotland.
ENABLE worked on the Thistle Travel Card Scheme with a consortium group of voluntary organisations including Capability Scotland, Carers Scotland, Downs Syndrome Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, Key Housing Association, People First, National Autistic Society and Fair Deal 1 in 100.
ENABLE has produced guidance for operators which will be circulated to transport staff informing them of the kind of needs cardholders may have and what can be done to assist, e.g. handling money, allowing time to find a seat, providing information about what stop to get off at.
The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS), (which was recently established to advise Scottish Ministers on the transport needs of disabled people and how to improve the accessibility of transport for them) welcomes the launch of the Thistle Travel Card Scheme. Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland - contact - 01383 428031.