Hello from a damp Crowborough.
Last month I looked at booking a train from Tunbridge Wells to Liverpool for my brother’s wedding. It looked expensive but the site took my email address and told me they would contact me within 12 weeks of travel. They did, I booked and it was £53.00 for Jo and I with Rose going free. I then contacted Virgin West Coast Assisted travel and booked all that on line.
Does that sound all too good to be true? The last time we went by train it was ok but lacking in proper assisted travel. Now we’ve got three booked seats both ways.
The wedding isn’t until early July but I will report back if anyone is interested.
Best wishes, Steve.
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Steve, this is fab news and I hope all goes as well as you wish. I haven’t tried the assisted travel yet and since I’ve needed my wheel chair or scooter which fold to fit in most car boots, I’ve stopped using buses or trains. I recently rang Virgin and after they took the measurements of my scooter, they reassured me I would be able to travel on their trains if I use a main railway station, give them notice before travelling, and they would help me to get on and off the trains. I haven’t taken the plunge yet, because I’d be a solo traveller & a bit uncertain of the type of help available. So I really look forward to your feedback after your brothers’ wedding in Liverpool.
By the way, when I used trains a few times a year, I bought a Disabled Rail Travel ticket that gave me and up to 1 adult passenger with me a third off the usual cost. The ticket costs £20 for one years travel or £54 for 3 years travel. So if the £53 you were quoted for you and Joan is the usual price, then it would be £35.33 for 2 tickets and Rose still travels free.
Enjoy the whole experience Steve & let us know how it all goes.
Chris x
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Well done Steve, I feel so proud of a fellow wheelchair warrior…its amazing when you do something independent for yourself… i feel excited for you, i’m sure that you will all have a wonderful time.
Chris is right you an save a third on disabled travel with a disabled card but probably like me you have a friends and family card which is great if you are travelling with children and you will also save a third…but if it ever just you alone or you and a friend you save more… its half price for you and a companion without needing a disabled rail card as long as you stay in your chair. Its worth knowing i saw it in small print on a travel leaflet and iv’e had half price travel many times on my Chester journeys. One good thing about travel assistance is the guard will ask every one to move out of the way and make sure that they move all of their luggage from the wheelchair space so you always know that you will be okay…even when the train is packed,… like it was bank holiday weekend, the guard will make sure that you get on…I think thats why prefer trains to buses…now thats’ a different story!
Michelle x
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Thanks good people. I already have a disabled card and the price is for both of us with the discount. I still think it’s good value as we often get the train up to London. The staff are always helpful eve when it’s busy. On the train to Liverpool, I love the bit where it goes over the Runcorn Bridge. It’s iconic from my frequent visits in the eighties.
Virgin have also given us a booked seat for Rose which is just as well as she’s growing fast.
Best wishes, Steve.
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