If you are struggling with public transport, then the Taxicard scheme may be the answer!
What does Taxicard do?
Taxicard offers subsidised travel in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles (minicabs) to London residents. It enables people who have difficulty in using buses, trains and tubes to get out and about. The scheme provides trips for social purposes, for example, going shopping, visiting friends and family, and going out to events. Your local council and Transport fund Taxicard for London.
You are automatically eligible for a Taxicard if you:
- Receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
- Receive 8 points or more for the Moving Around Activity component of the Independence Payment
- Are registered severely sight impaired or blind (not partially sighted)
- Receive a War Pension Mobility Supplement
- Receive the Armed Forces Independence Payment (mobility element)
- Receive Higher Rate Attendance Allowance (only in Barnet, Hackney, Islington, Kingston, Newham, Redbridge, Sutton and Westminster)
- Have a Blue Badge (only in Hammersmith & Fulham)
- Age-related (in the following boroughs only)
- 80 years of age or older in Islington
- 85 years of age or older in Barnet and Redbridge
- 90 years of age or older in Kingston
If you are not in one of the above categories you may still be eligible, but you will need to complete an application form and provide medical evidence. You may be required to have a mobility assessment.
When can I use my Taxicard?
Your Taxicard can be used 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year – subject to the availability of vehicles.
Can I travel with friends or companions?
Up to four companions may accompany you at no extra cost if you travel in a licensed taxi and up to three in a private hire vehicle. If you have a large wheelchair, two or three companions may travel with you, depending on the type and size of the wheelchair. When travelling with multiple companions, please state the number of passengers when making your booking to sending an appropriate vehicle.
How do I go about booking a Taxi under the Taxi card scheme?
Please call 020 7763 5001 and select option 1 to speak to an operator. When making a booking, you need to give:
- Your name and Taxicard number
- The address and postcode (if known) from which you want the vehicle to pick you up
- The address and postcode (if known) you want the vehicle to take you to
- A telephone number so that the operator can contact you if there is a delay (If you do not have a mobile phone and are not travelling from your home address, you could provide a companion’s number or a helpdesk number from where you are travelling, e.g. hospital, GP surgery, supermarket etc.)
- Whether you are a wheelchair user or if you need assistance getting in and out of the vehicle. (Unless drivers have a medical exemption, they are legally obliged to carry wheelchair users and assistance dogs at no additional cost.
- Whether you prefer a door to door or kerb to kerb service: A Kerb to Kerb service means that you will be dropped off at the roadside or as near as possible to your starting point and destination.
- You can request a licensed taxis over a private hire one.
How do I apply for a Taxicard?
To download the application form for Greenwich Borough, go to www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/taxicard/ apply-taxi-card-your-borough and select Greenwich from the list. A full guide to the service will be available to you once you have signed up for the scheme. If you would like support with completing the application form, you can contact welfare@greenwichmencap.org.uk.