Getting Around
This section gives you information on the Blue Badge scheme, transport concessions and community transport for people with a disability.
Blue Badge scheme
The Blue Badge scheme is for drivers or passengers with severe mobility problems. The scheme gives a range of on-street parking concessions letting Blue Badge holders park closer to where they need to go. Learn more about the Blue Badge parking scheme, who is eligible and how to apply.
Transport concessions
There are transport concession schemes entitling you to discounted or free travel:
Rail travel disabled person's railcard
If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult, you may qualify for the disabled person's railcard. This railcard allows you, and an adult companion, to get a third off most standard and first class fares.
Scottish blind person travel scheme
If you are blind or registered partially sighted, the Scottish blind person travel scheme entitles you to free travel throughout Scotland.
TaxiCard scheme
The TaxiCard scheme offers reduced fare taxi and rail travel if you aren't able to use conventional bus services.
Scotland-wide free bus scheme
If you are an older or disabled person you are eligible for the Scotland-wide free bus travel scheme. This enables you to travel free on local bus and scheduled long distance coach services anywhere in Scotland.
Motability
Motability is a charity helping people with disabilities, and their families, be more mobile. If you receive the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance (DLA) or the war pensioners mobility supplement, you can use your allowance to lease or buy a car or powered wheelchair.
Community transport
There are transport options available if you can't use public transport or aren't on a bus route:
Dial-A-Bus
The Dial-A-Bus service provides an accessible transport service if you've problems accessing public transport due to age, infirmity, social and rural exclusion.
Community transport projects
There are a number community transport services operating in Aberdeenshire. These services can help you get to the shops, doctors etc if you aren't able to use public transport.
Help accessing shops and town centres
There are services available to help you with your shopping if you're disabled or have difficulty getting about:
Shopmobility is a scheme lending powered or manual wheelchairs and scooters, free of charge, to people with limited mobility, or visual impairment, so they can shop and use town or city centre facilities. There are schemes running in Aberdeen and Moray.
Royal Voluntary Service volunteers can help older people with shopping - either by going to the shops for you or helping you while you are at the shops.
Help with transport to hospital appointments
The Scottish Ambulance Service provides a patient transport service. This service carries patients to and from hospitals, clinics and health centres.
You may be able to get travel costs paid to and from hospital if you don't have a medical need for ambulance transport and can't meet the cost of travel.