People with ADHD can now apply to get a third off train tickets for themselves and one adult companion, following an expansion to the requirements for a disabled railcard.
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that can impact someone's ability to concentrate, control impulses, or experience high energy levels. There are three million people in the UK living with the condition, according to ADHD UK, with 881,922 of those estimated to be children aged between five and 24 years.
Who is eligible for the railcard?
People who are neurodivergent, with ADHD falling into this category, are now eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard (DPRC) that offers discounted train tickets. It follows new eligibility criteria for the disabled railcards, which were expanded earlier this year to include a wider range of conditions, including "neurodiversity where it has a substantial impact on a person's ability to travel by train".
Anyone with a disability listed on the Railcard's eligibility checklist can save a third on the usual price of a train ticket for themselves and one adult companion. The disabled railcard costs £20 for one year, or £54 for three years, with the Rail Delivery Group, which manages and distributes railcards, estimating that it can save travellers around £126 every year.
Record numbers of railcard holders
This year, the number of people with a disabled railcard reached a record high of more than 450,000, compared to fewer than 200,000 in 2016, according to Office of Rail and Road data. The number is expected to significantly increase as more people are eligible to apply.
The development was hailed as a "railcard revolution" by the rail minister, Lord Hendy, earlier this month. He said it would "help thousands more people access cheaper rail travel, helping disabled people travel with confidence".
Lord Hendy added: "The Government is determined to help ordinary people live better lives and this change is just one measure that will make it that bit easier for disabled people to get to education, employment, and stay in touch with friends and family."
How to apply
Those with ADHD who wish to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard will need to provide the following, as outlined by Railcard:
- A report or letter from a health professional that helps explain your access needs. Confirmation of diagnosis alone for conditions with variable impact may not be enough to process your application. Remember, to be eligible, you must experience significant disability-related barriers to rail travel
- Or a completed impact declaration form signed by a suitably qualified and regulated health or social care professional
The Rail Delivery Group encouraged anyone who thinks they might fit the criteria for a disabled railcard to apply. A spokesperson said: "There is no list of neurodivergent or degenerative conditions that automatically qualify. Instead, applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, recognising that experience and support needs can vary considerably between individuals."
For more information, visit the Railcard website. There's also additional advice and services on the ADHD UK website.
