Q for GAC on disability travel on Italian trains
 

Hi GAC,
Hope you, or someone out there, can help me. I'm going to be in Italy traveling by train with my parents, and my mom is disabled. Am I eligible to purchase one of those special concession fares on Trenitalia (Special concession VIII T5 for journeys with assistant)? Or must I purchase regular fare tickets? I've been looking at the website, but it's a bit unclear to me. Will we need to bring documentation of my mom's disability?
Thanks.
Margaret

GAC is gone until July. If you don't get an answer here, I'd repost at SlowTalk.com because there are several Italian train experts there.

Margaret - Is your mother a wheelchair user? If so I'm sure you'll be able to get the special concession rate.

The Trenitalia website reccommends you cal the special helpline in advance if you require assistance at the stations - here's the link:

http://www.trenitalia.com/en/servizi...abili/sed.html

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Hi WillTravel and Steve, thanks for your help! I will post on SlowTrav in a few.

My mom doesn't use a wheelchair, she uses a cane, and we plan to get to the train station early enough so she doesn't need to require help (she likes to be as self sufficient as possible).

FYI for all who are curious:

Basically, if you're not an Italian citizen, you cannot purchase special concession fares, which require a Carta Blue (5 euros, valid for a year). Seniors from anywhere are allowed to purchase senior fares, but only if they purchase a Carta d'Argento (Silver Card) for 30 euros, which allows the holder a 15% discount and is valid for one year.

With the amount of train rides we'll be taking, it's really not worth it for us. But maybe this info might help someone else.

Just my tiny little contribution for all the help I've received from everyone here! :)