Thistle Assistance is a free initiative designed to make travelling on public transport in Scotland easier and more comfortable for anyone who needs a little extra help. You can use it on buses, trains, trams, planes and ferries across the country.
Thistle Assistance is:
Both options let you tell transport staff, quickly and discreetly, what kind of support you’d like. For example:
The Thistle Assistance app and card are recognised by many public transport operators across Scotland, from buses and trains to planes and ferries.
Both the Thistle Assistance app and card can be personalised.
The Thistle Assistance card is an information card that fits in your purse or wallet.
It is free and comes with stickers to allow you to personalise the card to suit you. The symbol stickers allow you to indicate your type of disability or impairment. The short message stickers provide easy to read information about the help you require.
The card comes with a leaflet telling you how to use your card. If your circumstances or requirements change, simply request a new card.
Get the Thistle Assistance card
When you download the Thistle Assistance app you will be prompted to select the symbol/s which best reflect your disability or impairment. You can also add a message to highlight the help you need.
You can update or change the details on the app at any time to reflect your personal circumstances.
Get the Thistle Assistance app
Simply show your personalised app or card to their staff and they will understand what additional assistance you require.
The Thistle Assistance card and app are free to use for anyone who needs it. Use the card for one journey or purpose, or use it every day: it’s adaptable and disposable.
The card and app symbols and instructions encompass a range of disabilities and impairments. They are also useful during pregnancy, or if you have temporary mobility issues, when some extra thought and care are appreciated.
A quick video overview of Thistle Assistance
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