Other travel information

In addition to the material posted on its website, Surrey County Council (and most other County Councils) produce hard copies of timetables, printed guides and a county transport map and these are available from the following:

Libraries
County Hall main reception
Selected post offices and newsagents
Borough/District Council offices
Bus enquiry offices

The national public transport Traveline can also advise on transport available in Surrey and nationwide. Call the number below, or click on the logo to link to the website:

There are many newer more accessible buses now operating in east Surrey, but it is advisable to ring the bus operator before your journey to ensure you will be able to board, travel and get off safely.

Rail information

For Surrey and national timetable information, click the National Rail Enquiries logo to go to their website:

Railway companies welcome disabled travellers and are committed to making widespread improvements to stations and trains to make travel easier. Follow this link to go directly to the National Rail Enquiries information for disabled passengers page:

National Rail Enquiries: Information for disabled passengers

Many of the companies operating train services produce their own guides for disabled travellers. If you require more information contact your local train operator. Train services and details of how to make reservations are given in Passenger Timetables available from most staffed stations and rail appointed travel agents. Copies of Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers are available from most rail stations.

Planning your journey

Whenever possible please inform your local rail contact point, 48 hours in advance, of your travel plans so that arrangements can be made for you to have as comfortable journey as possible. You may do this by writing to your local rail manager at your departure station or telephoning your local contact point. Arrangements can usually be made for staff to meet you at your departure and destination point.

At many stations, staff can arrange to provide portable ramps for wheelchair users. In other cases, lightweight portable ramps are carried on the train. Manual wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs up to a maximum width of 67cm and a length of 120cm can be conveyed on all trains subject to availability of space. Powered scooters cannot be conveyed on all services. Details can be obtained from the relevant train company.

Regrettably, rail staff, while happy to assist in any reasonable way they can, cannot lift disabled passengers between wheelchairs and cars/trains/train seats or up and down flights of stairs.

Travelling to hospital and medical appointments

Hospital Transport

If you are to attend an outpatient appointment at a hospital, based on your medical condition, you may qualify for hospital transport.

Provision of this type of transport must be authorised by your Doctor and subsequent visits must be authorised by a nurse or consultant at the hospital.

Details are available from your GP's surgery or health centre.

Financial Assistance

Depending on your circumstances you may be entitled to financial assistance with hospital transport. Information about this can be found in the Department of Health leaflet HC11 'Are you entitled to help with health costs?' To request a copy ring 08701 555 455 or the leaflet can be viewed online at the Department of Health website.

Public Transport

If you can use public transport to reach an appointment, please do so. There are many bus services that go directly to hospitals. Please see the Traveline information above.

Community Transport

If you cannot use public transport some of the community transport schemes listed in the community transport directory may be able to assist you with transport to a medical appointment. Please check their criteria to see if they do and when booking the transport please make the purpose of your journey clear, so allowances can be made for the appointment taking longer than expected.

The British Red Cross Society and St John Ambulance may also offer help with medical transport, for more information please see the following links:

British Red Cross Society
www.redcross.org.uk

St John Ambulance
www.surrey.sja.org.uk

If none of these options are available to you please contact the ESRTP and you will be advised if any other option is possible.

NHS Direct For help with health related questions and information in confidence visit the NHS direct website or telephone 0845 46 47.

Accident & Emergency

In the event of a serious medical accident/emergency, an ambulance can be called by dialling 999 (999 or 112 when using a mobile).

Wheelchair user accessible taxis

The following companies/individuals offer a wheelchair user accessible taxi service. The location is not restrictive but is a guide to help you find your nearest operator. Please ring the relevant number for further information:

Double L Licensed Taxis: 07966 482 043 (Merstham; Reigate & Banstead Borough)
Offer a seven seater hackney carriage with wheelchair user access via a ramp. Lady driver with blue badge clearance to carry children.

Eddie's Wheelchair Friendly Taxi Service: 07958 966 823 (Tandridge District)
Facilities to carry one wheelchair user and up to six other passengers, access to the vehicle via a ramp. Monday to Saturday distance no object.

Epsom Railway Station Taxi rank: 01372 723 619 (Epsom & Ewell Borough)
This number is for the main taxi rank in Epsom where wheelchair user accessible hackney carriages are used. Please state you require a wheelchair user accessible vehicle when calling.

Eurotaxi: 07949 035 011 (Redhill; Reigate & Banstead Borough) Facilities to carry one wheelchair user with access to vehicle via a ramp.

FBR Taxis: 01306 885 533 (Dorking; Mole Valley )
One vehicle accessible to a wheelchair user. Discount for pensioners living in outlying villages. NB Accessible vehicle is subject to availability.

Gatwick Travel/DC Price Taxi Services: 01342 843 903 or 07880 540 164 (Smallfield, Merstham & Redhill; Reigate and Banstead Borough)
Vehicle available to carry up to four wheelchair users (with advance notice and dependant on type of wheelchair), access via a ramp. Drivers approved by local authority licensing officers for transport of children. Lady drivers available. www.gatwicktravel.com

New Century Cars: 01883 734 985 (Oxted; Tandridge District)
Up to 8 seater vehicles with ramp access. Transfers to all airports and hospitals. Local and long distance journeys.

Regency Cars: 01932 351 161 (Cobham; Elmbridge Borough)
Variety of vehicles ranging from one wheelchair user and one passenger up to two wheelchair users and six passengers. Private hire minibus available with 8-16 seats.

Saunders Taxis: 07711 730 721 (Lingfield and East Grinstead area)
Facilities to carry one wheelchair user and two other passengers.

Sunrise Taxis: 07787 532 840 (Mole Valley District)
Facilities to carry two wheelchair users plus two seated passengers and luggage. Local to Ashstead and Leatherhead, prices outside this area can be negotiated.

Taxi prices vary and may include a call out charge; if in doubt ask for an estimated cost of your journey before you travel.

Cycling and Walking

Information on cycling and walking in Surrey can be found on the Surrey County Council website in the section 'Roads and transport'.