A number of factors may influence your decision to give up driving. These include financial considerations, medical reasons, safety issues and quality of life. Giving up the car does not mean having to give up your independence, there are many ways of getting about. These may be less stressful, easier or even quicker and cheaper. Why not try some of these to see how easy it can be.
Walk – This may be a travel option for short journeys.
Cycle – Do you need to brush up your skills? Fit2Ride is a FREE ‘step by step’ guide on how to become an able and safe cyclist. Phone to request your copy telephone 0845 155 1004 or, for Torbay residents, telephone 01803 207677 or visit www.devon.gov.uk/cyclists
Travelling by train – Timetables are available from staffed stations. For details of times and fares telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950, or plan your journey online at www.nationalrail.co.uk
Travelling by bus – To find out which bus takes you where and what time then ring
Traveline provides an enquiry service for all public transport journeys in South West England. Telephone 0871 200 22 33 or plan your journey online at www.traveline.org.uk
Where to get more information – Devon County Council produce area timetable books, giving details of all operators services in the area, an area map and index. These are normally available from Tourist Information Centres and Libraries or order online at www.devon.gov.uk/devonbus
Telephone: 01392 382800
For fares information please contact your local operator. Traveline will be able to tell you who your local bus operator is.
Devonwide concessionary travel scheme
If you are over 60 or disabled or had your licence withdrawn by the DVLA for medical reasons and live in Devon, you can apply for a Devonwide bus pass which gives you free travel on local buses throughout Devon*.
*Please contact your District Council, Plymouth City Council (01752 307790) or Torbay Council to see if the scheme applies in your area.
Devon access wallet
The Devon access wallet is an initiative to help make journeys by bus or train easier for anyone with communication difficulties, people with disabilities, deaf people and those whose first language is not English. The Devon Access Wallet does not entitle the user to reduced travel. Telephone 01392 383509
Fare Cars – Subsidised private hire cars with fixed timetables travelling between some towns and rural areas. They usually operate throughout the day, six days a week and can pick passengers up from home. For details contact the Customer Care Centre on 01392 382800.
Community Transport
Community Transport services, run by volunteers for members of their communities whose travel needs are not met by other forms of transport.
Voluntary Cars Volunteers use their own cars to provide door to door lifts to people who have no access to private or public transport. They cover their expenses with a charge per mile. This is ideal for one-off trips to the hospital, doctor or optician, or to visit a friend or relative in hospital.
Community Bus A bus run on regular, scheduled routes, usually where there are no public transport services. Like ordinary bus services passengers get on at bus stops and pay the driver a fare, the service is run by volunteers.
Ring & Ride (or Dial-a-Ride) - Low floor, wheelchair friendly mini-buses provide transport for rurally isolated, disabled or elderly people who cannot access ordinary buses. It collects passengers from their homes for visits to towns for shopping and accessing local services.
Shopmobility Many larger towns hire electric scooter and wheelchairs on an hourly basis.
For information about these services, call The Community Transport Team, on 01392 382123 or e-mail comtrans@devon.gov.uk
Car Sharing - Car sharing is when two or more people travel together instead of in separate cars. www.carsharedevon.com is a free service that links drivers and passengers to share regular car journeys. You don’t have to own a car to take part.
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