Directory: Transport

Cycling can help improve people’s health and wellbeing but many people are put off using a bicycle in Frome because of the hills. So Frome now has available a couple of electric power assist bicycles (ebikes) that helps to reduce the strain of cycling up hills and makes cycling more fun.

Provided by Frome Town Council for either half day (£6) or whole day (£12) hire.

The Blue Badge Scheme provides national parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel as drivers or passengers. The scheme is also for people who are severely sight impaired. People who have a blue badge can park close to their destination in on-street parking and car parks. The form can either be filled in online or you can call Somerset County Council.

The cost of a blue badge is £10. The badge can only be used with the person who owns the badge in the car at the time of parking, as a photograph is used on the badge, for identification. Badges take approximately a month to arrive.

English National Concessionary Travel Scheme Passes are available for residents of Somerset who are of pensionable age or eligible on the grounds of disability. The pass allows you to travel free on buses in every area of England subject to certain time restrictions. Download application form online or contact Transporting Somerset who will post form.

You may be able to apply for a disabled person’s rail card, if you are in receipt of certain benefits, are visually impaired or registered as deaf, please see website for details, the card will allow you a third off rail travel and costs £20.00 a year.

The Driving and Mobility Centre West of England can help disabled and older people keep mobile and independent, and help those affected by medical conditions stay safe on the road. We have an expert team of Occupational Therapists and Driving Advisors that undertake comprehensive assessments of ability to drive a vehicle safely and in comfort.

Frome Community Cars – Do you find it difficult to get to medical appointments, visit loved ones or get the things you need? If so, Frome Community Cars may be able to help. We have a network of local volunteer drivers who provide lifts within Frome and beyond. Contribution to cover costs is requested at £2 booking fee +60p per mile or 30p per mile if you have Somerset County Council bus pass. Do also get in touch if you’d like to become a friendly and reliable volunteer driver.

It may be possible to claim back travel expenses to hospital appointments, if you are in receipt of certain benefits. You may be able to get financial help from the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme if you: • are on a low income • need NHS treatment at a hospital, other NHS center or private clinic • have been referred by a healthcare professional.
HTCS does not apply if you are: • visiting a GP or dentist for routine appointments • visiting others in hospital • visiting A&E or Minor Injury Units. Claims can be made to the individual hospitals.

Mendip Community Transport. This service provides transport to hospitals outside the Mendip Area for patients who are unable to use conventional public transport. There is limited availability within Mendip area, this service is available for journeys of 12 miles or more. Passengers are advised to book as soon as an appointment is received. Cost 60p per mile with small reduction if a Bus Pass is held. All passengers must complete a registration form which is available on request from MCT.

To book a driver please contact Link at least 2 working days before your appointment to ensure they have enough time to organise transport. Phones are answered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am – 4.30am

This is an online platform where you can find out about local cycling projects, track your cycling, set goals and find out about local rides. Love to Ride has been designed with behaviour change principles, techniques and tools at its core. This is to ensure that our approaches are as effective as possible at encouraging cycling. “We get more people cycling using our online platform, local promotion and good ol’ human interaction.”

Mendip Community Transport, Slinky Service  – This service provides transport for Senior citizens, those with disabilities & socially excluded persons (i.e. no access to local bus routes). It is a first come, first served service so passengers are advised to give as much notice as possible. Please phone the booking Line for details of cost and availability – Bus Passes are accepted.

If you are disabled, you may be able to exchange your mobility allowance to get a vehicle that suits your needs. What’s more you don’t even need to drive. Family, friends or carers can drive on your behalf.
The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair by exchanging their Government funded mobility allowance . If you receive either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP) , the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) you may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.

National Express, Senior Coach Card (60 +), Disabled Coach Card and Young Persons Coach Card (16-16) give a third off standard fares. Coach Card costs £12.50 a year.

If you’re going to a hospital for an appointment, tests or treatment, you’ll normally be expected to make your own way there. However, you may be eligible for transport under certain circumstances. You may be eligible for free non-emergency patient transport services. These services provide transport to and from hospital for people who have a medical need for it.

‘Route 60+’ is a free presentation aimed at senior drivers, which looks at how vehicles and driving skills change over time. The presentation lasts approximately 60 minutes and is designed to help drivers continue their driving career for as long as possible.

Those attending get a free hi-vis jacket and a copy of the highway code and details of accredited driving instructors for attendees who require further support.

If you run a club or group that would benefit from a Route 60+ talk then please contact the Road Safety team. See below for contact details.

Is a low income stopping you from accessing a bicycle? Get a bike voucher worth £100 from Life Cycle UK. Low-income Somerset residents can get £100 off a quality refurbished bike from our local partners, On Your Bike. A great way to stay healthy and save money on transport. For more information please visit Life Cycle’s website below.

Volunteer Driving Scheme serving Norton St Philip, Hinton Charterhouse and Farleigh Hungerford. Donations appreciated

There are a host of different ways to travel to, from and around Frome, including the town’s Ebikes and the Co-wheels car share scheme. Go to the website link below to find information on local bus and train services, coaches, car parks and electric car charging points.

Volunteer driver service to take people to appointments, shopping and social visits (not hospital appointments)within Street. 60p per mile plus £2 standing charge or 30p per mile of you have a bus pass.

This is a new service and volunteer drivers are needed. Joint project with the Crispin Centre and Community Union. Call into the Crispin Centre or call for the volunteer details.

Booking line open Monday & Wednesday 9.30-2pm and Thursdays 10.30-3pm

Westbury & District Link volunteer transport service, contribution requested. Tel line open 9am – 1pm Monday to Friday.