Companion element
A companion element can be added to a disabled persons pass if you are unable to use public transport on your own at any time.
The disabled person’s pass will show a ‘+C’ symbol in the top right hand corner. The companion may travel free on local buses within North Lincolnshire and journeys which start in North Lincolnshire and end elsewhere. The companion may also travel back free from places in North East Lincolnshire, Hull, the East Riding of Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. They are NOT able to travel back free from Lincolnshire.
Companions may buy half fare return tickets for local rail journeys or single tickets at one-third off. The companion bus pass cannot be used without the passholder’s presence.
We do not provide a companion’s entitlement for disabled children under 12 years of age.
How can I apply to have a companion entitlement added to my pass?
You are automatically eligible for the companion element if:
- your Disability Living Allowance letter shows you are eligible for high rate mobility and high rate care or high rate care only, or,
- your Personal Independence Payment letter shows that you have at least eight points against the ‘moving around’ section and enhanced daily living or enhanced daily living only.
Take your letter into Shopmobility or to your nearest Community Hub, phone ahead if possible, and the change to your bus pass can be requested. You are also automatically eligible for the companion element if you are registered as being blind or having dual sensory loss.
If you don’t automatically qualify for the companion element then you will need a letter from your consultant or specialist stating that you require, at all times, when using public transport physical assistance onto or off the bus, or you need assistance at all times when managing the journey while using public transport. If you require any further information then you can call us on 01724 297000. A letter from your consultant or specialist will be needed for future renewals, unless the consultant or specialist states that you are unlikely to recover from your disability.
Please be aware that a medical professional is not obliged to provide a letter and as this is a private service you may be charged.
If you need any further information please contact us.
Contact details
public.transport@northlincs.gov.uk
01724 297000
Public Transport
North Lincolnshire Council
Church Square House
30-40 High Street
Scunthorpe
DN15 6NL