Getting around in Barnet
This page has details of the main schemes available in Barnet to help older and disabled people to get out and about. Each scheme will have different criteria for who is able to use it, and how you can access it.
Barnet Community Transport
Barnet Community transport has a small fleet of fully accessible minibuses and cars which are available “at cost” to voluntary organisations, self-help groups and families whose members have difficulties using public transport or standard vehicles. Contact them for further information:
Address: Mill Hill Depot, Bittacy Hill, London NW7 1BL
Tel: 020 8359 5014
Email: bct.office@barnet.gov.uk
Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme is designed to help people with severe mobility problems who travel either as drivers or passengers, by allowing them to park close to their destination. For more information click here.
Freedom Pass
A Freedom Pass gives people free travel on buses, trains, trams, tubes and Docklands Light Rail services in London. It is paid for by your local council to help older and disabled people get around.
Passes for older people are available from all post offices in the borough and are valid for five years. When you apply for the pass at the post office you will need to take with you:
- Your existing travel pass (if you have one)
- Proof of your name, age and address
- Two passport style photographs.
Please note from April 2010, the eligibility age for the Freedom Pass is rising to meet the state pension age for women. This means the earliest date you can get your Freedom Pass will depend on when you were born and, if you were born on or after 6 April 1950 this date will be later than your 60th birthday. See the online calculator (external link) to find out when you will be eligibile for a Freedom Pass.
Passes for disabled people are available from The Assisted Travel Team at Barnet Council. If you are disabled and think that you qualify for a Freedom Pass you need to complete the Freedom Pass for disabled people application form: July 2010 
(PDF: 87KB). If you would like to talk to someone about Freedom Passes, please contact The Assisted Travel Team on 0208 359 4131. Please note that there is no drop-in service available.
For more information or if you have lost, stolen or damaged your freedom pass contact the Freedom Pass helpline on:
Tel: 0845 275 7054 (local call rate)
Tel: 020 7934 9633
Email: mobility@londoncouncils.gov.uk
Motability Scheme (personal transport)
Buying and adapting a car can be expensive. The Motability Scheme, run by the independent not-for-profit organisation Motability gives disabled people the opportunity to own or lease a car at an affordable price.
For more information click here.
North London Dial-a-Ride
Dial-a-Ride is a door-to-door multi-occupancy vehicle for disabled people and older people who cannot use buses, trains and tubes. It can be used for many different journeys, such as shopping, visiting friends and family, doctors' and dentists' appointments and going out at night.
To be eligible for Dial-a-Ride membership you must have a permanent or long-term disability or health problem which makes you unable or virtually unable to use public transport. If you think you may be eligible for Dial-a-Ride you should contact the Dial-a-Ride call centre on:
Tel: 0845 999 1999
Fax: 020 7027 5801
Email: DAR.generalenquiries@tfl.gov.uk
Website: www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/
Shop Mobility Scheme
Barnet Council and Brent Cross shopping centre run a Shopmobility service which offers easier access for people with mobility problems by lending them manual or electric wheelchairs or electric scooters, free of charge. Shopmobility is about the freedom to get around and you do not need to be registered disabled to use it.
You will need to register with Shopmobility, to do this please bring personal identification with you, for example, utility bill or driving Licence showing your name and address
Shopmobility users are advised to pre-book a day in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tel: 020 8457 4070
Fax: 020 8202 8922
Email: info@bxsc.co.uk
Website: www.brentcross.co.uk
Taxi Card
The London Taxi card scheme enables people with physical disabilities to travel in licensed black cabs for a reduced fare. You can apply for membership of the scheme if you are a resident of the London Borough of Barnet and are:
- in receipt of the higher rate mobility supplement of Disability Living Allowance
- have a permanent or substantial disability
- in receipt of a war pension mobility supplement
- registered as blind (not partially sighted).
This scheme is funded by participating London boroughs and the Mayor of London. For more information, please contact London Councils:
Tel: 020 7934 9791
Fax: 020 7934 9699
Email: taxicard@londoncouncils.gov.uk
Travel Voucher Scheme
This scheme allows Barnet residents with disabilities which prevent them from using buses or trains, to travel in local minicabs or taxicabs at reduced fares.
To be eligible you must either be unable to use buses, tubes or trains because of a permanent or long-term disability/injury which seriously affects your ability to walk or be registered blind or partially sighted. The scheme is not available to people who suffer from other disabilities or temporary disabilities such as a broken leg. Vouchers can be used at any participating minicab and taxicab companies.
For more information click here.
Email this pageLast modified by: Neha Shah on 15/12/2011