More and more people are giving up their car or reducing their car journeys and looking at alternative ways to travel. The Council supports a number of transport schemes across the area, which could save you money.
Diamond Travel
The Diamond Travelcard entitles residents over 60 to free travel on local bus services anywhere in England. Further details and application forms are available from Council Connect offices on 01225 39 40 41 or look under Transport & Streets > Buses > Bus Passes.
Community Transport
Community Transport aims to provide for people unable to use conventional public transport due to disability or age or because they live in remote rural areas.
Three types of community transport scheme operate across the area:
- Dial-a-Ride and Ring & Ride;
- Mini bus schemes;
- Voluntary car schemes.
Find out more by contacting Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41 or look under Health & Social Care > Community Transport.
Sharing the costs
www.2carshare.com is a free web-based service to help you find your perfect car-sharing match.
Fare Car is a shared taxi service at special rates, operated by Bath Taxis with support from the Council. It is available for residents of Combe Hay, Shoscombe, South Stoke, Wellow, Langridge and Northend. Call 01225 475237 for a leaflet with more details or visit Transport & Streets > Fare Car.
Walking & cycling
Of course, walking and cycling can reduce your costs even further. With over a third of all journeys under two miles being taken by car, you could easily cut your costs by walking or cycling for these shorter journeys. See Transport & Streets > Walking & Cycling.
Travel information
Traveline is a telephone enquiry and online journey planning service funded by local councils and bus operators. Timetable information is available for all bus operators in the South West and fare information is being added progressively. Ring 0871 200 2233 (BT callers charged 10p per minute plus set-up fee per call – mobile and other providers’ charges vary) or visit www.traveline.info
Books, DVDs, web access and more
Local libraries can be a very useful resource for all sorts of advice and support. Access to the internet is available at all libraries. There is a charge to book time on the computers, but concessionary rates are available and many websites – including job and business-related sites - are free to access. Please visit your local library or check out the library web page for more information. More details can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/libraries.
Make the most of local attractions – free!
Discovery Cards – available to all Bath and North East Somerset residents – allow free admission to the Roman Baths and Fashion Museum as well as discounts at other attractions in the district.
The Discovery Card is available to adults and children aged over 14 who permanently live in Bath and North East Somerset.
To get a card, residents need to fill out an application form – this is available online or from the Roman Baths, The Hollies in Midsomer Norton or Riverside, Temple Street in Keynsham.
The completed form then needs to be taken to one of these places along with proof of residency, such as a Council Tax bill, and proof of identity, such as a passport.
Your photograph will be taken on the spot and will be included on the card. The free Discovery Card is valid for three years.