Is there a cheaper way for Mum to get to appointments?
Cheaper ways for Mum to get to appointments
Helping families find safe, reliable and low-cost travel options for older people in the UK. If you are juggling work, family and caring for your mum, constant taxi trips can quickly become too expensive. This guide walks you through cheaper options that many families do not realise are available.
- Simple overview of realistic travel options
- Clear explanation of costs and how to book
- Written for sons, daughters and carers in the UK
Quick comparison: which option suits Mum
Scan this first, then read the sections that fit your mum’s situation.
| Travel option | Typical cost | Best for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Non-Emergency Patient Transport | Free for eligible patients | Hospital appointments, dialysis, cancer treatment | Strict medical criteria. Not for routine GP visits. |
| Council community transport | About £3 to £10 per journey | GP, hospital, shopping trips | Must book ahead. Often needs 48 hours notice. |
| Volunteer driver schemes | Small donation, often £3 to £7 | Local appointments and social trips | Limited evenings and weekends. Register in advance. |
| Free bus pass (66+) | Free | Regular bus routes | Often off-peak only. Check local rules. |
| Disabled person’s bus pass | Free | Any-time travel in many areas | A companion can often travel free too. |
| Taxi card schemes | Up to around 50 percent off | People who cannot easily use buses | Only some councils offer this support. |
| Local community lift services | Free or small donation | Very local trips to shops or clubs | Often run by churches, neighbours and charities. |
Using even one of these options instead of taxis for a month can save your family a significant amount of money. Many people only discover these schemes when they finally ask at their GP surgery or council.
1. NHS free transport: check if Mum qualifies
The NHS Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) is free transport for people who have a medical need that makes normal travel difficult or unsafe.
NHS guide:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/non-emergency-patient-transport-services-nepts/
Who may qualify
- Mum has a medical condition that makes travel difficult or unsafe.
- She needs medical supervision during the journey.
- She uses a wheelchair or has very limited mobility.
- She is attending regular treatment such as dialysis or chemotherapy.
Who usually does not qualify
- Routine GP check ups.
- Social visits or non-medical appointments.
- People who can safely use public transport or taxis, even if it is expensive.
How to arrange it
- Ask the GP surgery: “Can Mum be assessed for NHS patient transport for this appointment”
- Or contact your local NHS Trust using the service finder:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/NHS-Trust/LocationSearch/1848 - If Mum is eligible, the GP or hospital normally books the transport for her.
Things to be aware of
- Transport is often shared with other patients.
- Pick up times can be early and fixed.
- Mum may need to wait at the hospital after her appointment for the return journey.
2. Council community transport: the hidden gem most families miss
Most councils run some form of low cost community transport for older or disabled residents. It may be called Dial a Ride, Ring and Ride, Community Cars or Door to Door Transport.
Find your council:
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Community transport overview:
https://www.gov.uk/community-transport-services-shopmobility
What it can be used for
- GP and hospital appointments.
- Shopping trips and town visits.
- Day centres and social clubs.
- Some schemes help with prescription collections.
Typical cost
Often between £3 and £10 each way. This is usually cheaper than a taxi, especially for longer journeys or regular visits.
How it works
- You book by phone, usually at least 24 to 48 hours ahead.
- The driver collects Mum from her home.
- They drop her at the door of her appointment or destination.
- They come back for her at an agreed time.
How to find a local scheme
- Search online for “community transport [your council name]”.
- Or call the council and ask for “community transport, dial a ride or community cars”.
Some councils have very strong schemes, so it is worth making this one of your first calls.
3. Volunteer driver schemes: often the friendliest option
Volunteer driver schemes are run by charities and community groups. A local volunteer collects Mum, takes her to the appointment and brings her home. They are often happy to wait if the appointment is short.
Cost
Usually a small donation, often between £3 and £7, to cover fuel and car costs.
Who runs them
- Age UK branches: https://www.ageuk.org.uk
- Royal Voluntary Service (RVS): https://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
- Local Good Neighbour Schemes and community transport charities.
- Churches, Rotary clubs and other local groups.
Benefits
- Door to door support.
- Friendly and reassuring driver.
- Good for people who feel anxious travelling alone.
- Helpful for shorter hospital, GP or dental appointments.
Limitations
- Limited evenings and weekends.
- Some schemes have waiting lists or membership forms.
How to find a scheme near Mum
- Search for “volunteer driver [your town]” or “good neighbour scheme [your area]”.
- Contact your local Age UK and ask about transport support.
- Check your council’s community directory on their website.
4. Free bus passes and discount cards
Free bus pass for older people
Most people in England can get a free bus pass when they reach State Pension age. This can save £4 to £8 every time Mum travels on the bus.
Apply through the council using this link:
https://www.gov.uk/freedom-pass
Disabled person’s bus pass
If Mum has a disability, long term health condition or cannot drive for medical reasons, she may qualify for a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/disabled-persons-bus-pass
In many areas, a companion can travel free with her, which is very helpful for hospital trips.
Senior Railcard
If Mum has longer distance appointments by train, a Senior Railcard can reduce rail fares by one third.
Details here:
https://www.senior-railcard.co.uk
Taxi card schemes
Some councils offer taxi card schemes that give reduced fares for people who cannot easily use buses. The discount varies but can be significant.
To check if your council offers this, start here:
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
5. If Mum has limited mobility or balance issues
If Mum has poor balance, uses a walking aid or has had falls in the past, safety on the journey becomes just as important as cost.
Best transport options to consider
- NHS patient transport for hospital treatment, if she qualifies.
- Council community transport with accessible vehicles.
- Volunteer drivers who can offer extra time and help.
- Disabled person’s bus pass if she can safely use the bus with support.
A small extra layer of safety
If you are worried about Mum travelling alone, a simple personal alarm can help her feel safer when using cheaper options like community transport or the bus. If she feels more confident, she is more likely to say yes to these lower cost choices instead of relying on taxis.
You can read more about personal alarms here:
https://helpalert24.co.uk/products/personal-alarms-for-older-people
6. Quick decision helper: what works best for Mum
Use these prompts to decide where to start.
If money is very tight
- Check free NHS transport eligibility for hospital care.
- Use community transport and volunteer driver schemes where possible.
- Apply for a free bus pass or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass.
If Mum has regular medical appointments
- Ask about NHS patient transport for ongoing treatment.
- Book council dial a ride for GP and clinic visits.
- Keep a list of local volunteer drivers for back up.
If she lives in a rural area
- Look closely at community transport and community car schemes.
- Use volunteer drivers for appointments further away.
If mobility and balance are the main worries
- Choose services that offer help from door to door.
- Ask about vehicle access, steps and handrails before booking.
- Consider a personal alarm so you both feel calmer when she travels.
Questions you may have about travel for your mum
Short, clear answers to common worries.
Does Mum qualify for free NHS transport
It depends on her medical needs and the type of appointment. The NHS guide explains the criteria in plain language:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/non-emergency-patient-transport-services-nepts/
Is community transport reliable
Most community transport schemes are punctual and well run, but they are busy. It can help to book early and allow extra time for the journey. You can often read reviews on your council website or ask your GP receptionist what other patients think.
Can Mum use community transport if she has dementia
Yes in many cases. Tell the service when you book so they know she may need a bit more time or a reminder about where she is going. Some services may ask that a family member or support worker travels with her for the first few trips.
Are these services wheelchair accessible
Many NHS and council vehicles are adapted for wheelchairs, with ramps or lifts. Always ask when you book so they send the right vehicle for Mum’s needs.
Can I travel with Mum
Often yes, especially with community transport and volunteer drivers. Always check when you book, and mention if Mum feels anxious travelling alone.
What is the cheapest door to door option
Council community cars and volunteer driver schemes are usually the cheapest door to door options. They may not be instant, but if you can plan ahead, they can save a lot compared to taxis.
This page is for general guidance. For the latest details, always check the official links and local information for your area.
Worried about your mum falling when she is out and about or at home
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