Free blind companion rail travel – launch of new scheme
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 21st March 2025
Companions of blind and partially sighted people can now travel for free on ScotRail trains.
Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart has announced the launch of a pilot scheme that will provide free rail travel for companions of blind and partially sighted people travelling by train.
The pilot will apply on all ScotRail train journeys across Scotland, starting 1 April 2025.
This is a result of the successful Fair Rail Campaign which has been led by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans.
Under this new pilot scheme, individuals holding an eye +1 National Entitlement Card (NEC) will be able to travel with a companion at no additional cost. The pilot scheme, which will run for one year, aims to make train travel more affordable and accessible for blind and partially sighted passengers by introducing a consistent, nationwide policy for free companion rail travel, aligning with existing concessionary bus and ferry travel across Scotland.
Click here for more information.
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