Travel Support for Students with Disabilities

Any student who is a resident of Derbyshire or Derby and has a qualifying disability can apply for a Gold Card.

A Gold Card currently allows free travel on local buses throughout Derbyshire, from 9:30am up to 11pm on weekdays, and at any time during weekends and on bank holidays.

Gold Card holders are also offered discounts at hundreds of businesses around Derbyshire.

You can apply for a Gold Card online. To make an application, you will need to upload proof of identification, proof of address and eligibility documents.

Please note that the University of Derby does not administer this scheme. If you have any queries or would like further information, please contact Derbyshire County Council.

Derbyshire County Council also offers discounts to young people via the b_line travel card. This gives you a maximum £1.50 fare for young people in college, university, on training courses or in an apprenticeship up to their 19^th birthday providing they live in Derbyshire. Find out more and apply for a b_line card.

There is also a pilot scheme underway for the b_line3 which caps fares at £1.50 for people aged 19-21 who live in Derbyshire. This runs until 31 December 2025. Find out more and apply for a b_line3 card.

Derby City Council can provide travel assistance for learners who live in Derby, on a full-time education course (minimum 16 hours per week), who cannot reasonably be expected to walk or use public transport independently, due to a temporary or permanent disability, learning needs or medical condition. The Derby City Council website provides more information.

The Blue Badge scheme aims to help disabled people with severe mobility problems access goods and services by allowing them to park close to their destination.

The scheme is open to eligible disabled people regardless of whether they are travelling as a driver or as a passenger. 

For more information and to find out how to apply, please see the Derby City Council's website.

Wheels to Work/Wheels to Learn is a low-cost scooter and bicycle hire scheme providing access to work, education and training where public transport is not available. Find out more at the Wheels for Work website.

If you are disabled or have a progressive medical condition, you are eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard which grants 1/3 off adult rail travel. Costing just £20, you could save an average of £126 over a year.

For more information and how to apply, see the Disabled Persons Railcard website.

You can use the Passenger Assistance app to request assistance on rail journeys ahead of time by letting station staff know your exact access needs. Find out more information at the Passenger Assistance website.

Disabled Students Allowance can help students with the costs of extra travel to attend a course or placement because of a disability. 

You can find more information about DSA on our Student Services DSA page, and make an application through the Government's DSA page.

Students who are struggling with their finances may be able to apply for the University's Discretionary Support Fund (DSF). This is for home students only.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, see the Udo student portal. If you have any queries, please contact the Student Money Advisors by emailing SMART@derby.ac.uk.

Students who are parents of disabled children may be able to claim the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. You can find out more at the gov.uk website.

Similar to the DLA (see above), the PIP is for young people over 16 years and includes a mobility component to help with getting around. Find out more at the gov.uk website.

The Guide Dogs charity has extensive guidance about travelling with an assistance dog by air, boat, car, coach or rail. This includes an A to Z of what to do to prepare for travel, how to go about it, what to do on a journey and how to successfully leave and return to the UK with your dog.