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Taxicard

Taxicard

Taxicard (Terms and Conditions)

What is Taxicard?

Taxicard allows people with disabilities to travel in taxis at reduced fares. Taxicard is not available to people with temporary disabilities (e.g. broken leg).  The Council provides a subsidy of up to £2 per journey.  The journey is provided by a Taxicard operator who has agreed to provide this service.  Please note the contract for the journey is between the taxi operator and yourself.  The booking system takes every effort to ensure your bookings are made, but again can’t be held responsible for any errors or failure to provide a journey.  Clackmannanshire Council does not accept responsibility for issues arising such as late arrivals where you incur a financial loss.  

Am I eligible?

You must have a permanent disability that meets one of the following criteria and live in the Clackmannanshire Council area.

Automatic Eligibility:

• are registered blind;
• receive Disability Living Allowance Mobility Component (higher rate) or Care Component (middle or higher Rate)
• receive Personal Independence Payment Mobility Component (standard or enhanced rate) or Daily Living Component (standard or enhanced rate);
• receive Adult Disability Payment Mobility Component (enhanced rate) or Daily Living Component (standard or enhanced rate);
• receive Child Disability Payment Mobility Component (higher rate) or Care Component (higher or middle rate);
• receive the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement; or
• receive Attendance Allowance (low or high rate).

Discretionary Eligibility:

• have a long term disability which seriously impairs your ability to walk e.g unable to walk or virtually unable to walk.

When can I use it and where can I go?

You can use it anytime, but you must book your journey in advance. You can go anywhere, provided your journey starts and/or finishes in the Clackmannanshire Council area.  Operating times are set by the individual taxi operators.

How often can I use it?

You can make up to 6 single journeys per week, at any time of the day, subject to availability and the taxi operators hours of operation.

What does it cost?

On journeys where the fare is up to £4.00, as a Taxicard holder you will pay half fare. For fares in excess of £4.00 you will pay the fare less £2.00. No Taxicard holder may make more than 6 subsidised journeys per week. There is no charge for the Taxicard itself.

What if I cannot make my journey?

If for any reason you are unable to make your journey, we may levy a fee if less than 24 hours notice is given.  If you fail to turn up for your journey you will be liable to pay the operator the cost of your journey.  You will be unable to make any further Taxicard bookings until this cost is paid.

Can friends travel with me?

Yes. Up to 3 people may accompany you for 20p each per single journey.

I require to travel in a wheelchair, is this possible?

There are a limited number of accessible taxis available within the scheme, if you require to travel in your wheelchair you must make this clear at the time of your booking.  The operators will do their best to book you an accessible taxi, however this is not guaranteed.  If you are able to transfer from your wheelchair and travel in a standard taxi, this will make it easier to book you a journey.  Again please discuss this at the time of your booking.

I have an assistance dog, can it travel with me?

If you have a trained assistance dog that requires to travel with you, please make this clear at the time of booking.  The operator may need to contact the taxi operator in order to arrange this.

How do I book?

Taxicard bookings should be made by phoning 01786 237 800. The booking hours are 0900 to 1500 Monday to Friday. Bookings for Saturday, Sunday and Monday must be made before 1500 on the Friday prior.  You may book on the same day as your journey, before 1000, as long as you do not require to travel before 1200.  Same day bookings are only available Monday to Friday. You will be picked up at the booked time and taken to your destination. On completion of the journey you will pay your portion of the fare to the driver.  If you require to travel in a wheelchair, you must make this clear at the time of booking. 

What happens on the day of my booking?

You are expected to be ready to leave at the time of your requested booking, if you are not ready and the taxi requires to wait for you the cost of your journey may be increased.  The taxi operator may contact you in advance to confirm your booking, if you do not respond, your booking may be cancelled.  Taxi operators may at their discretion request a deposit or security deposit.  If your journey is critical, you are responsible for ensuring with the operator that your journey is booked and operating on time.  The Council and Joint Public Transport Unit are not liable for any errors in a booking, late running or failure of a journey.

How do I join?

Download and complete an application form for Taxicard and return it to us with the necessary enclosures. If you need any further information on Taxicard please Telephone: 01259 450 000 or Email: ptu@clacks.gov.uk

How long can I use Taxicard?

Depending on your condition you will be issued a Taxicard with an expiry date up to a maximum of three years.  You will be contacted 2 months is advance to renew your Taxicard.

What if a journey fails?

Every effort will be made to ensure your booking is fulfilled and correct, however occasionally mistakes can happen.  The journey is operated by the taxi company and the Council cannot be held liable for any issues or delays.  If your taxi fails to appear we recommend you contact the booking system by telephone for further assistance.

What is there is a dispute?

Users are expected to be respectful to the taxi operators providing the service, any inappropriate behaviour towards a taxi operator/driver or the booking system operators may result in your being removed for the scheme.  If you have an issue with the taxi operator please report this to ptu@clacks.gov.uk for further investigation.