Travel and transport for young people with additional needs and disabilities

Help getting to school, college or training

Our School and college travel help web page, explains who can get travel help, how to apply and what support is available for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Please note: you should apply for travel assistance some time ahead of your start at school, college or training, to avoid delays in receiving travel assistance.

Help travelling at other times

The government and local councils (including Surrey County Council) offer local and national schemes, which provide discounts for some forms of public transport for young people and people with disabilities.

Public transport operators have legal responsibilities to make their services more accessible for people with disabilities. The help available varies and you can find out more below:

Help with costs

• The Surrey LINK card is for young people aged 20 and under who live in Surrey. It offers half price travel for any  single or return bus journey that starts and/or finishes in Surrey. The card is free to apply for online. For those unable to apply online  local libraries may be able to assist with the process or contact the LINK  team (surreylink@surreycc.gov.uk).
• 16 to 17 Saver Card is a national railcard available to all 16 and 17 year olds. The card lasts for one year or until you turn 18 (whichever comes first). You must pay for the card and prove your age to get one, but the card gives you a 50% discount on most rail fares.
• 16 to 25 Railcard is a national railcard available to all 16-25 year olds which can be bought annually or as a 3 year card. You can even purchase the 3 year card on the day before your 24th birthday and it will still be valid just before you turn 27. This paid card provides a 1/3 discount off rail travel.
• Surrey connect is an on-demand bus service operating across the county Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm and on Saturdays 8am to 6pm. Fares are charged based on how miles are travelled starting from £2 for adults. A journey on the minibus must be booked at least 30 minutes before travel, up to seven days in advance on the Surrey connect website.
• Disabled person's railcard gives people with disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria discounts on rail travel for themselves and a person travelling with them. You must pay for the card.
• Blue Badge this enables disabled people to travel independently as a driver or passenger allowing you to park closer to where you want to go by visibly displaying the blue badge on your dashboard.
• You may be eligible for a free disabled bus pass if you're a Surrey resident with an eligible disability. You can apply online or at a library.
• You can find details of student discounts offered by Stagecoach and Metrobus on the Public transport to school or college page.
• Bus tickets, passes and travel discounts provides details of bus companies operating in Surrey and the types of discount tickets each provider offers.
• The Mencap website has further details of some of the help with travel costs available.

Help planning your journey

• The Public transport to school or college page identifies bus services to and from college, together with bus and train pass discounts.
• The Buses and other transport page has details of the different transport options available in Surrey. It includes the details of bus timetables and different Bus tickets, passes and travel discounts.
• The Trains page has the details of all the train stations in Surrey.
• The National Rail website has details of train times, helps you plan train journeys and has details of ticket prices.
• Aubin is a journey planning app created for neurodivergent travellers. Unlike traditional travel apps that focus on speed and efficiency, Aubin prioritises personalisation and accessibility. It aims to reduce stress, boost confidence and make public transport more inclusive. It allows travellers  to feel prepared and empowered by providing tailored routes and supportive tools. You can download Aubin for free by visiting your app store.

Help whilst you travel

If you think you might need help during your journey you might like to try one of the following:

• National Rail's Accessible Train Travel and Facilities information
• Transport for London (TfL)'s transport accessibility tools

All train and station operators are required to have an Accessible Travel Policy (ATP), which must be approved by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The ATP includes the arrangements and assistance that an operator will provide to protect the interests of disabled people using its services, and how it facilitates that use.

• You can read and download the guidance provided by the ORR (opens on the orr.gov.uk website)
• You can find your train company and access the ATP on their website

Sunflower Lanyards

Wearing a sunflower lanyard can help when you are travelling. A sunflower lanyard tells other people that you have an invisible disability or an additional need. Anyone can wear one, and you do not need a diagnosis. It shows that you might need extra help or a bit more time, without having to explain this to someone. Staff on public transport, in shops, and in other places are often trained to recognise the sunflower lanyard. This means they can offer support if you need it.  You can buy sunflower lanyards from the official Hidden Disabilities website, or you can get them for free from many large shops in the UK.

Help if you cannot use public transport

If you are unable to use conventional public transport you could look into the Community Transport options