Buses
Buses in the UK are operated by a range of companies – and here in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR), this is also the case. These include:
- Arriva
- Blands
- Centrebus
- First Bus
- Kinch
- Roberts (Park & Ride)
- Stagecoach Midlands
- Vector
Click here to view information about other bus companies also operating in LLR
Demand Responsive Transport (DRT)
This is a flexible mode of transport that adapts to the needs of service users. DRT vehicles do not follow fixed routes and timetables. Instead, they pick up and drop off passengers at locations and times specified by their need – for example on a market day in a town there may be multiple journeys. Some DRT services only serve parts of villages and towns.
Passengers can book rides via mobile apps or phone calls
DRT services can include a variety of vehicle types such as buses, taxis, shared cars
DRT minibus services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland include:
- Fox Connect (South west Leicestershire)
- Nottsbus on Demand (Kegworth and Bottesford)
- Call Connect (Belvoir and Rutland)
- Concessionary passes are accepted in accordance with standard time restrictions
Trains
If you are travelling by train on a flexible ticket, you can have a break in the journey however on advance tickets, you will have to purchase a new ticket.
It’s important to note however that intercity trains tend to be busier at some weekends because of sporting fixtures and parallel routes being closed, with passengers taking alternative routes such as the Midland Mainline which goes through Leicester.
Planning which bus or train to use
It can be confusing to work out which company runs the service for the journey you need to make. Apps such as Google Maps, Bus Times or Traveline can help you find out.
It will depend on which service you use as to how you pay for your bus journey. For many, you can pay by either cash, contactless card or smartphone or on an app. In London you cannot use cash and it is possible that services outside of London may soon make the same change.
Prices and timetables also vary from service to service. You are likely to find more frequent buses in busy cities and less frequent buses in more rural areas. In cities you can usually find timetables and ‘live’ information about bus locations, via mobile apps and digital displays at bus stops. In more rural areas you may be able to find an online timetable and view a more traditional poster type timetable at some (but not all) bus stops. A handy hack is to take a photo or screen shot of the timetable – to help you remember when the buses run.
It’s also worth noting that buses tend to alter some of their services, routes, timetables, and fares from time to time. In Leicester changes to buses tend to be on a quarterly basis.
If you are using a single or return ticket on the bus, be aware that if you need to take a break during the journey eg;- due to crowding, you will unfortunately have to purchase another ticket when you board.
Avoiding the City Centre when travelling by bus
Leicester city centre can be a busy overwhelming environment. Some autistic people may prefer to bypass the city centre by taking bus routes that go through the suburbs and smaller towns around Leicestershire. If you are travelling from one side of the city to the other and want to avoid making a change at a busy bus station, you can catch a bus from a stop on the Leicester inner ring road (A563) to use the Orbital. Please refer to the network map for full details.
An autistic person may be eligible for a concessionary bus pass if in receipt of certain types of benefits. This is often linked to the mobility components of disability benefits. Leicester City and Leicestershire County council will not accept letters or any other evidence stating difficulties or diagnosis. Therefore, many autistic people will not be eligible for the concessionary pass.
UK trainlines are also operated by a range of companies –this can make it confusing when it comes to journey planning and booking a ticket. In Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland the main railway company is East Midlands Railway. Cross country trains also operate in the area. To find local train information and to buy tickets, you can use the East Midlands Railway website or smartphone app. Trainline is also available however a booking fee is normally charged. National Rail has a website that can help plan a journey and direct you to the company that operates the train route you need.
It may be cheaper to buy tickets in advance, though this is not guaranteed.
Whilst buses and trains run timetables, it’s wise to be aware that they may not always arrive at the exact time the timetable indicates. Variations such as traffic, weather, or change of drivers, sport fixtures and school start, and finish times can cause the bus or train to become delayed – and sometimes even cancelled. It is a good idea to have a contingency plan for just in case.
On the National Autistic Society website, you can find detailed information about travelling by bus or train. It includes lots of advice and resources.
Click here to find the article:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/transport/travelling-by-train-or-bus
