{"id":8074,"date":"2026-10-19T21:28:52","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T21:28:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visiting-angels.co.uk\/cheshire-east\/?p=8074"},"modified":"2026-10-19T21:54:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T21:54:36","slug":"transport-after-stopping-driving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visiting-angels.co.uk\/cheshire-east\/transport-after-stopping-driving\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting around Cheshire East when you\u2019ve stopped driving"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Quick summary<\/b><\/h3>

FlexiLink is Cheshire East’s door-to-door service for people who are disabled, aged 80 or over, or living beyond the reach of public transport. It costs \u00a33 a journey, or nothing with a bus pass. Book on 0300 123 5110. For hospital appointments, ask whether you qualify for NHS patient transport or a refund of your travel costs.<\/span><\/p>

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The older person’s bus pass<\/b><\/h3>

Free off-peak travel on local buses across England, available from State Pension age.<\/span><\/p>

In Cheshire East you can apply in person at any Cheshire East library, and the pass usually arrives within about ten working days. If your pass is due to expire and you have used it in the last twelve months, it renews automatically. If you have not used it, it will not, so you need to reapply.<\/span><\/p>

Passes are not valid on coach services where most seats can be reserved in advance. Details are on <\/span>Cheshire East Council’s bus pass page<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>

The obvious limitation is that a bus pass is only useful where there are buses, which in Chelford, Goostrey, Wincle and the moorland villages is a real constraint rather than a quibble.<\/span><\/p>

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FlexiLink, which most people have never heard of<\/b><\/h3>

This is the one worth knowing about, particularly in the villages.<\/span><\/p>

FlexiLink is Cheshire East’s demand-responsive transport service. It is open to residents who are disabled, aged 80 or over, or who live beyond the reach of any other public transport.<\/span><\/p>

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Detail<\/span><\/p><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>

Cost<\/b><\/p><\/td>

\u00a33 per journey, or free with a concessionary bus pass<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Hours<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Core hours 9.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Booking<\/b><\/p><\/td>

0300 123 5110, booking line 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday, or flexilink@cheshireeast.gov.uk<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Notice needed<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Between 48 hours and one month ahead<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

First step<\/b><\/p><\/td>

You must register before booking<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

Two things to expect. You will travel with other passengers going to different places, so journeys take longer than a taxi would. And the more flexible you can be about timing, the more likely the booking is to be accepted (<\/span>Cheshire East Council<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>

Register before you need it.<\/b> Registering takes a phone call and removes the delay when an appointment comes up.<\/span><\/p>

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Getting to hospital appointments<\/b><\/h3>

Three separate things, and people frequently miss the second and third.<\/span><\/p>

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  1. NHS non-emergency patient transport.<\/b> For people with a medical need that makes it difficult or impossible to travel to an appointment by other means. In Cheshire the service is provided by West Midlands Ambulance Service. Eligibility is assessed, and your GP or the clinician who referred you can discuss whether you qualify.<\/span><\/li><\/ol>

    It is not a lift service for people who simply have no car. The test is clinical need.<\/span><\/p>

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    1. The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.<\/b> If you or your partner receive a qualifying benefit, or you meet the NHS Low Income Scheme criteria, you may be able to claim back the cost of travelling to NHS appointments you have been referred to. Ask at the hospital cash office and keep your receipts and appointment letter.<\/span><\/li>
    2. Volunteer car schemes.<\/b> Often run by charities and community groups, usually for medical appointments, typically with a mileage contribution rather than a fare.<\/span><\/li><\/ol>

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      Community and voluntary transport<\/b><\/h3>

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