Access out and about
Fife Bus – Appointment Based Dial-a-Ride for the less able…
Alternatively, if you are deaf or hard of hearing…
Email: fife.bus@fife.gov.uk Text: 07985 737 018 (Please note this mobile does not accept Voice calls.)
Extract of information from Fife Council with some additional items…
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/fife-bus
Fife bus – for people that are physically or mentally challenged…
Please telephone the Fife Bus (An appointment based Dial as You Ride) office on 03451 55 11 88. For the deaf and hard of hearing…
Email: fife.bus@fife.gov.uk Text: 07985 737 018 (Please note this mobile does not accept Voice calls.)
But what is Fife Bus…
It is Fife Council’s Demand Responsive Transport Service (DRT), and it provides door-to-door transport for people who are unable to access mainstream public transport.
Theses minibuses have very low steps, or a passenger lift. This allows wheelchair to travel on the mini bus too.
The Council’s friendly driving staff are on hand, to allow our passengers to board and leave the bus. They will also help with you with wearing a seatbelt, if that is a challenge for you.
Who can use Fife Bus?
Anyone who has difficulty in using mainstream public transport due some form of reduced mobility. That is,
your reduced mobility may be:
- physical,
- mental,
- or a sensory impairment,
- and may be permanent or temporary.
What does it cost?
The service is free to use
Where can passengers go…
You can go anywhere within your permitted travel area. This is detailed in the Fife Bus Service by Town https://www.fife.gov.uk/__data/assets/excel_vdoc/0039/79995/Fife-Bus-Expansion-Jan-2024.xlsx publication.
How do I use Fife Bus?
Firstly, you need to register before you can book a journey. Registration is quick and simple. Please telephone the Fife Bus office on 03451 55 11 88. Fife Buses friendly staff will talk you through the process and let you know if you qualify. Registrations will be accepted between 9 am and 4.30 pm
Alternatively, if you are deaf, have hearing loss or are speech impaired, you can make your bookings using Email or Text.
Email: fife.bus@fife.gov.uk Text: 07985 737 018*
*Please note this mobile does not accept Voice calls.
Additionally, If you have difficulty using the telephone, someone can call Fife Bus and register on your behalf. Once registered, Fife Bus will send out a welcome pack providing further details of the service and how you can use it.
What can I use it for?
You can use the service for any transport you require, for example:
- going to the bingo or cinema
- going to college
- trips to friends
- for leisure
- for a visit to the park
- visiting relatives
- shopping trips, and…
- Going to Work
Fife Council staff can also tell you which shopping centres have Shopmobility, https://www.shopmobilityfife.uk who may be able to arrange:
- a helper for you or
- provide you with a scooter, or
- a powered or…
- manual wheelchair if needed.
What if I need a helping hand?
If you feel the support of a friend or family member would help, please bring them with you (just let us know when you book the bus). You can also bring your hearing or guide dog.
Where can I use the service
Fife Bus is a Fife-wide service, available across Fife 8am to 5:30pm (Mon to Sun). Bookings are only taken the day before travel, with Friday and Saturday bookings taken on a Thursday and Sunday and Monday bookings taken on a Friday. You can see what days the service is running in your area by looking at Fifebus Service by Town.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/__data/assets/excel_doc/0039/79995/Fife-Bus-Expansion-Jan-2024.xlsx
As with other public transport services, it will no longer be a mandatory requirement for passengers to wear a face covering whilst travelling with us. Fife Bus would, however, still strongly encourage their use at this time.
The Council will continue to review the Fifebus service in line with changing circumstances and any Government advice/measures and we will keep customers informed of any changes.
For further information about the service, please call the Council’s dedicated dial number – 03451 55 11 88 – anytime between 9:00am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. A trained member of Fife Council staff will take time to discuss with you the various services available in your area.
Contact Information
Telephone: 03451 55 11 88
Email: ffe.bus@ffe.gov.uk Text: 07985 737 018*
*Please note this mobile does not accept Voice calls.
By Post: Passenger Transport Services (DRT), Bankhead Central, Bankhead Park, Glenrothes, KY7 6GH
The below is from https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/disabled_passengers.aspx added 31/08/2019
For A Helping Hand When Travelling By Train
At National Rail we want all our customers to be able to access stations and trains for a more inclusive journey experience.
We understand that when making a journey some customers would be more confident travelling with a little extra support and that’s why all train companies offer a helping hand for any trip through Passenger Assist. You can book assistance 24-hours a day by contacting Passenger Assist on freephone 0800 0223720.
Here’s a guide for more information on available assistance.
Passenger Assist
Simply book assistance for any train journey, with one number. For a helping hand around the station, to boarding a train or arranging a ramp.
The train company you’re travelling with will organise assistance for your entire journey, even if you travel with someone else to complete the trip.
The Train company you are travelling with can arrange for someone to:
- meet you at the station entrance or meeting point
- help you navigate around the station and accompany you to your train
- help you on and off the service
- provide a ramp on and off your train
- meet you from your train and take you to your next train or the exit
- carry your bag (up to three items of luggage as per the National Rail Conditions of Travel)
How to book
Simply call for free on
0800 0223720
24 hours before travelling or a text 60083.
For textphone/minicom 0845 60 50 600 or visit www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/travel-assistance
Let us know the journey you are planning to take, and we will connect you to the appropriate train operating company to make your booking request.
For text and textphone we’ll send an instant SMS with the number you need to dial from your textphone unit.
Call and texts are at no charge.
Save time and book ahead
It’s always best to book as far ahead as possible. Some train companies may ask for up to 24 hours’ notice before travel, although some may accept requests for booked assistance at short notice.
Where a station is staffed they will always help you if they can, even if you just turn up on the day of travel. However, it might mean that sometimes this might take a little bit longer to arrange as staff may be assisting other customers, dispatching a train, or looking after safety on the platform.
If staff are not able to help you straight away they will explain clearly why not and do their best to assist as soon as they can.
If Things Go Wrong
If the train you want to travel on is cancelled or delayed
You will not have to pay extra if you cannot buy your ticket before getting on the train due to an impairment.
Train companies will do everything possible to get you to the station you want to travel to. If it is not possible to access a rail replacement bus, the train company will provide an accessible alternative, such as a complimentary taxi to the station you are planning to travel to.
You can complain if your journey goes wrong and the train company will investigate it fully and fairly. You may also be entitled to compensation if there is a delay to your journey or something goes wrong . To understand your full rights please refer to the National Rail Conditions of Travel.
Throughout your journey
- The train company will do all it can to communicate effectively
- Staff will treat all customers with respect and dignity
- Staff will understand your needs
- Trained staff will know how to use company equipment that may help with a journey
You can also book assistance and find out more information direct from the train company on the numbers below:
| Train Company | Access Information Online | Telephone | Textphone/Typetalk |
| c2c | c2c Access Information | 0345 744 4422 | 03457 444422 (Textphone compatible with Ultratec Minicom 6000) |
| Caledonian Sleeper | Caledonian Sleeper Access Information | 0330 060 0500 | 1 800 103 300 600 500 (text relay service) |
| Chiltern Railways | Chiltern Railways Access Information | 03456 005 165 | 08457 078 051 (Textphone) |
| CrossCountry | CrossCountry Access Information | 0344 811 0125 | 0344 811 0126 (Textphone) |
| East Midlands Railway | East Midlands Railway Access Information | 03457 125 678 | 03457 078 051 (Textphone) |
| Gatwick Express | Gatwick Express Access Information | 0800 138 1016 | 0800 138 1018 (Textphone) |
| Grand Central | Grand Central Access Information | 0344 811 0072 | 0344 556 1400 (Textphone) |
| Great Northern | Great Northern Access Information | 0800 058 2844 | 0800 975 1052 (Textphone) |
| Great Western Railway | Great Western Railway Access Information | 08001 971 329 | 18001 0800 197 1329 (Textphone) |
| Greater Anglia | Greater Anglia Access Information | 08000 282 878 | 18001 08000 282878 (text relay service) |
| Hull Trains | Hull Trains Access Information | 0800 316 1323 | 0800 304 7513 (Textphone) |
| Island Line | Island Line Access Information | 0800 528 2100 | 0800 692 0792 (Textphone) |
| LNER | LNER Access Information | 03457 225 225 | 18001 03457 225 225 (Text relay service) |
| London Northwestern Railway | London Northwestern Railway Access Information | 0800 024 8997 | 18001 0800 024 8997 (Next Generation Text) |
| London Overground | London Overground Access Information | 0343 222 1234 | 020 3031 9331 (Textphone) |
| Merseyrail | Merseyrail Access Information | 0800 0277 347 | 0151 702 2071 (Textphone) |
| Northern | Northern Access Information | 0800 138 5560 | 08456 045 608 (Textphone) |
| ScotRail | ScotRail Access Information | 0800 912 2901 | 18001 0800 912 2 901 (Typetalk) |
| Southeastern | Southeastern Access Information | 08007 834 524 | 08007 834 548 (Textphone) |
| South Western Railway | South Western Railway Access Information | 0800 528 2100 | 0800 692 0792 (Textphone) |
| Southern | Southern Access Information | 0800 138 1016 | 0800 138 1018 (Textphone) |
| Thameslink | Thameslink Access Information | 0800 058 2844 | 0800 975 1052 (Textphone) |
| TfL Rail | TfL Rail Access Information | 0343 222 3456 | 0800 112 3456 (Textphone) |
| TransPennine Express | TransPennine Express Access Information | 0800 107 2149 | 18001 0800 107 2149 (Textphone) |
| Transport for Wales | Transport for Wales Access Information | 03330 050 501 | 08457 585 469 (Textphone) |
| Virgin Trains | Virgin Trains Access Information | 08000 158 123 | 08000 158 124 (Textphone) |
| West Midlands Railway | West Midlands Railway Access Information | 0800 024 8998 | 18001 0800 024 8998 (Next Generation Text) |
Accessible stations
We have a wealth of detail relating to all National Rail served stations. Each station has its own page and you can find the one that you are looking for by using our Station Finder.
You can easily look up the accessible features of any National Rail served station, including step-free access, lift availability and accessible toilet information, with our interactive Access Map.
Discounts
If you have a disability you may be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard.
If you do not have a Railcard and you are blind or partially sighted and travelling with a companion, or if you use a wheelchair, you can get a discount on Anytime tickets.
Train facilities
It can be helpful to have an idea of what facilities are available on board the train. This information is arranged by Train Company. If you are unsure which Train Company is running your train you can check using our Journey Planner.
Train Companies have different policies about carrying Mobility Scooters on trains.
The Disabled Persons Railcard website provides lots of useful hints and tips on rail travel for disabled rail users.
Managed by:
The below information is from: https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/
Get 1 /3 off rail fares
If you’re travelling with a friend they can get the discount too.
£20 for a one year card can you afford to be without it? A three year card at £54 is also available (Prices at 29/08/2019)
To find out how to apply see the leaflet ‘Rail Travel Made Easy’ (available at stations) or contact us on:
Web www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk Continue reading
The Non-Executive Bills Unit’s Explanatory Notes (see General Note: Explanatory Notes) say: ”
The Act will lead to all disabled street parking places becoming enforceable. The general approach of the Act is to impose a duty on local authorities, in particular circumstances, to exercise its power to make a particular kind of order under either section 45 (street parking places) or section 35 (off-street parking places) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (the 1984 Act). The Act does not amend the 1984 Act itself in any way. These kinds of orders which the local authorities are to be required to make are already open to them under the 1984 Act. The powers under the 1984 Act are not affected; rather, this Act separately imposes a duty to exercise those powers in particular circumstances. Once the duty under this Act is triggered, the provision as to procedure and enforcement etc. is that applicable under the 1984 Act.” Continue reading
Go Kids Go ! is the leading provider of Wheelchair skills training.
Continue reading
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee NHS Tayside – Mobility Scooter and Wheelchair hire
The Below information is from https://www.sabaparking.co.uk/ninewells-hospital-car-park Continue reading
Fife Council`s Access Policy and Standards 2003
I tried to see if there is an update to the 2003 version but the only thing I could find is:
Making Fife’s Places Planning Policy Guidance – buildings, green infrastructure, and streets [August 2015]
This document sets out Fife Council’s expectations for the design of development in Fife.
It explains the role of good design in creating successful places where people will want to live work and play through an integrated approach to buildings, spaces and movement.
This document covers:
All types of development except wind farms and minerals. This includes:
- Proposals incorporating existing buildings/ townscape
- Proposals affecting designations in the historic environment [listed buildings, Conservation Areas, Scheduled Ancient Monuments] including their
![Making Fife’s Places Planning Policy Guidance – buildings, green infrastructure, and streets [August 2015] Image of a page](https://i0.wp.com/dfscot.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Making-Fife%E2%80%99s-Places-Planning-Policy-Guidance-%E2%80%93-buildings.jpg?resize=300%2C208&ssl=1)
settings · Proposals affecting designated nature conservation sites · Proposals for locations in the countryside, edge of settlement and within settlements
This document is intended to be used by:
- Designers and investors preparing planning applications for new development;
- Fife Council officers [Development Management and others] and elected members who take decisions on planning applications; and
- Communities in Fife
This document replaces:
- Green Infrastructure SPG
- Fife Masterplans Handbook
- Creating a Better Fife: Fife Urban Design Guide
- Fife Sustainability Checklist · Public Art SPG
- Fife Council Transportation Development Guidelines Supplementary Designing Streets Guidance
Status of this document: This document is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.
Once the Local Development Plan – FIFEplan is adopted this document will be finalised taking into account any changes that may result from the Local Development Plan examination. The document will then be submitted to Scottish Ministers before becoming statutory Supplementary Guidance as part of the Development Plan.
The below information is from https://walkingonair.org.uk/
If you are disabled and really want wings, come and try an Air Experience flight in our two seat dual hand controlled training glider at Portmoak Airfield, near Kinross in Fife, Scotland some 25 miles from Edinburgh.
We operate from the Scottish Gliding Union, which is the largest gliding club in Scotland and the third largest in the UK. The local scenery is superb, with marvellous views from the air of local Loch Leven and the Lomond hills. Continue reading
Shared surface streets (sometimes called a level surface) are where the road and pavement are built at the same level, removing the kerb so that cars, buses, cyclists and pedestrians share the same surface. In some cases, controlled crossings (pelican crossings) are also removed.
Shared surface streets are dangerous for people with a vision impairment, who rely upon the presence of the kerb to know they are on the pavement and not in the road.
The shared surface concept is intended to be a way to provide:
- an attractive street environment with slower traffic
- less street clutter
- a people friendly space
Guide Dogs has been campaigning against the use of shared surface streets as part of our Streets Ahead campaign, supported by organisations representing disabled people across the disability sector, older people and other groups.
For more information go to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association website
You can hire for free 4 mph mobility scooters at Loch Leven’s Larder, The Boathouse Bistro & Loch Leven Lodges so you can access the path around Loch Leven. Continue reading