Companion Pass For Eligible Disabled Gold Bus Card Users Now Available
Eligible disabled Gold Card holders can now apply for a companion pass, allowing another person to travel with them for free for journeys starting within Derbyshire.
Pictured, Councillor Barry Lewis, left, with campaigner Luke Layton.
Eligible disabled Gold Card holders can now apply for a companion pass, allowing another person to travel with them for free for journeys starting within Derbyshire.
Derbyshire County Council’s Gold Card currently allows the card holder to travel free on local buses throughout England from 9.30am up to 11pm weekdays, and at any time during weekends and on bank holidays. With a Gold Card companion pass another person can also travel for free with the disabled person at those times.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer a companion pass to those that need some extra help to travel.
“It’s really important that transport is accessible to as many people as possible and offering a free travel card that allows a companion or carer to travel with those that need it is a positive step towards this.
Derbyshire County Council’s Leader, Councillor Barry Lewis, said: “There is one person that we need to thank for bringing this to our attention, and that is Luke Layton, who for many years lobbied the council for this pass.
“It’s testament to his hard work that we now have this pass on offer for disabled people throughout the county.”
To qualify for a Gold Card companion pass, Gold Card holders need to provide the following information:
• Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) stating that the Gold Card holder is blind,
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award letter confirming that you receive 12 points for the 'moving around' activity,
• letter from a medical professional confirming the details and severity of your walking or learning disability,
• an education health and care plan (EHCP) - must confirm type and severity of learning or walking disability.
Roads Minister Guy Opperman said: “Local people deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. I'm delighted to have worked alongside the local council and local MPs to give Derbyshire County Council over £47 million to boost its bus services.
“Allowing a disabled passenger and Gold Card holder to travel with another person for free will help passengers with a disability make the most of local bus services, get around easily and travel with greater peace of mind.”
For further details on the Gold Card companion pass, including a full list of criteria, please visit derbyshire.gov.uk/gold
Residents who already have a Gold Card and want to add a companion pass have to contact their borough or district council. Residents without a Gold Card and wish to apply for a Gold Card companion pass need to apply through the council website at derbyshire.gov.uk/gold.
The companion pass does not include travel in the city of Derby or in other council areas. Gold Card holders can also travel free-of-charge from 9.30am Monday to Friday or anytime at weekends on Derbyshire Connect Dial-a-Bus 'shopping' buses and Derbyshire on Demand service.
Article by Derbyshire County Council
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Community champions gather to support nature recovery in Amber Valley From community gardens to rewilding projects, nature is being nurtured across Amber Valley and a recent event b read more | |
| Ambergate Morris Minor Event June 8th 2025 Sunday June 8th sees the Great British Car Journey at Derwent Works, Ambergate, DE56 2HE, welcome a true British icon, the Morris Minor read more | |
| Neighbour guilty of murder of Heanor man Shaun Harriman A drug addict who strangled his 62-year-old neighbour to death before fleeing the scene in Heanor has been convicted of murde read more | |
| Ambergate Classic Car event this Sunday This Sunday (May 25th) sees 1950s and '60 classic cars descend upon the Great British Car Journey at Derwent Works, Ambergate, DE56 2HE, for read more | |
| Formal merger firms up future for Belper Leisure Centre. Two years after a leisure centre at the heart of the local Belper community was due to close its doors for good, its operato read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
| Can You Help DREAM Paranormal With Their Research My name is Simon Dean, Lead Investigator of DREAM paranormal and I am looking for your help. read more | |
| Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more | |
| Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more | |
