Asking a bus driver to lower a ramp should be straightforward. But for someone who finds speaking difficult, is anxious about making a request or uses a communication aid, even a short conversation can be a barrier to travelling independently.
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Transport for Ireland (TFI), working with NOW Group, has introduced a ‘Ramp Please’ JAM Card so passengers can show the driver that they need the bus ramp lowered without having to ask verbally. It is a practical addition to the existing JAM Card scheme, which helps people communicate that they may need extra time. Learn more about the JAM card in our guide.
What Is the ‘Ramp Please’ JAM Card?
The Ramp Please JAM Card is a non-verbal way for a passenger to tell a bus driver that they need the boarding ramp lowered. Instead of explaining their needs aloud, the passenger can display the message on the card.
It has been introduced by Transport for Ireland in collaboration with NOW Group, the organisation behind JAM Card. TFI says the aim is to make bus journeys more accessible and comfortable for people who face communication barriers or simply prefer to communicate without speaking.
The card does not mean that every bus, stop or boarding location is accessible. It communicates the request; the suitability of the vehicle and boarding location still matters.
What Does JAM Stand For?
JAM stands for Just A Minute. The original JAM Card helps someone discreetly tell staff that they may need a little extra time to communicate or complete a task.
Transport for Ireland describes it as useful for people with autism, learning difficulties and other conditions that can create communication barriers. It can be used on public transport and in other customer-facing environments.
Who Might Find the ‘Ramp Please’ Card Useful?
The new message may help wheelchair users, people travelling with mobility equipment and other passengers who need the bus ramp but do not want to make a spoken request.
For example, it may be useful for someone who is non-speaking, uses alternative or augmentative communication, finds verbal requests difficult under pressure, or wants a simple and consistent way to communicate with a driver.
Some autistic travellers may find it easier to show a familiar message than to explain their needs while a bus is waiting. However, not every autistic person needs a ramp, and the card should be chosen according to the passenger’s actual requirements rather than their diagnosis.
How to Use the ‘Ramp Please’ JAM Card on a Bus
- Have the physical Ramp Please card or the relevant message on your phone ready before the bus arrives.
- Wait at a safe, visible boarding position and make sure the driver can see you.
- Show the ‘Ramp Please’ message clearly to the driver.
- Allow the driver to respond and deploy the ramp where it is safe and possible to do so.
- Wait until the ramp is fully positioned and the driver indicates that you can board.
These are practical steps for using the message, not a guarantee of a particular boarding procedure. Follow the driver’s safety instructions and the operator’s accessibility rules. If you require additional assistance beyond ramp deployment, arrange or explain that separately.
The JAM Card Message Options in Ireland
The JAM card website currently lists the following messages available on JAM cards:
- “Please be patient, I am autistic”
- “Please be patient, I have autism”
- “Please be patient, I have a learning disability/difficulty”
- “Please be patient, I have a condition”
- “Please be patient, I have an intellectual disability”
- “Ramp Please”
and there are currently two options exlusive to Northern Ireland:
- “Please be patient, I have a dementia/a memory problem”
- “Please be patient, I have a chest/heart/stroke condition”
You can choose the message that best communicates what you need or use a mixture of more than one JAM card by utilising the app.
Where Can You Get a ‘Ramp Please’ JAM Card?
According to Transport for Ireland, there are several ways to obtain or use a JAM Card.
Use the JAM Card App
The JAM Card app is available for Android and iOS. The Jam Card app allows users to choose their message for a digital version of the card, leave reviews and find JAM-friendly businesses. Look for the official JAM Card app in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Request a Physical Card
TFI says cards are available through participating Transport for Ireland operators and the TFI Customer Contact Centre. You can also request a card through the NOW Group JAM Card website.
The TFI Customer Contact Centre lists these telephone numbers:
- Within Ireland: 0818 294 015
- From outside Ireland: +353 1 575 6110
TFI also provides an online contact form and a list of operator locations where cards may be obtained. Check the official TFI JAM Card page for the current collection points and opening hours before making a special journey.
Which Transport Services Accept JAM Cards?
Transport for Ireland lists the general JAM Card scheme as usable on services including:
- Bus Éireann
- Dublin Bus
- Go-Ahead Ireland
- Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail)
- TFI Local Link
- Luas
There is an important distinction: the ‘Ramp Please’ message is specifically introduced for bus passengers. The fact that other transport operators participate in the wider JAM Card scheme does not mean the same ramp request applies to trains or trams. Those services have their own accessibility and boarding arrangements.
For more information about travelling around the country, see our accessible transport in Ireland guide, Luas travel assistance guide and explanation of Irish Rail Access Officers.
Does the Card Guarantee That a Ramp Will Be Available?
No. The card is a communication tool, not a guarantee that a particular vehicle, stop or service can provide accessible boarding in every circumstance.
Passengers should still check whether the intended bus service is accessible, whether the stop has a suitable boarding area and whether their mobility equipment can be accommodated under the operator’s rules. If you depend on a ramp, contact the operator before travelling where possible.
The card is also not a ticket, a concessionary travel pass or a replacement for any other assistance arrangements that may be necessary.
How Is the ‘Ramp Please’ JAM Card Different From a Priority Seat Badge?
These schemes address different needs. The ‘Ramp Please’ JAM Card communicates that a passenger wants the bus ramp lowered. A priority seating badge or message asks others to consider offering a seat to someone who needs one.
If standing during a journey is difficult, our guide to the ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ badge in Ireland explains that separate scheme. Some passengers may find more than one accessibility resource useful, depending on their circumstances.
Why a Non-Verbal Ramp Request Matters
For a passenger who has difficulty speaking in busy or stressful situations, asking for a ramp can involve more than a simple question. They may need time to find words, use a communication device or make themselves understood over traffic and other passengers.
A visible, standardised message can reduce the amount of explanation required. It also makes the request more specific than a general statement that someone has a disability.
That does not remove the need for drivers and transport operators to provide accessible services. The card should make communication easier, not place responsibility for accessibility entirely on the passenger.
Tips for Autistic Travellers and Families Using the Card
- Practise showing the card at home before using it on a busy bus.
- Keep the card somewhere easy to reach, rather than packed inside a bag.
- If using the app, open the message before the bus arrives so you do not have to search for it at the stop.
- Explain to a child what may happen after the driver sees the message, including waiting for the ramp to be deployed.
- Use a visual travel plan if changes or unfamiliar journeys are difficult.
- Check the accessibility of both your outward and return journeys.
- Have a backup way to communicate if your phone battery runs out or the driver cannot see the screen.
FAQ About the ‘Ramp Please’ JAM Card
What Is the ‘Ramp Please’ JAM Card?
It is a JAM Card message introduced by Transport for Ireland and NOW Group that allows bus passengers to request the boarding ramp without speaking.
Do I Need to Have Autism to Use It?
No. The ‘Ramp Please’ message is intended for bus passengers who need the ramp and may face communication barriers or prefer a non-verbal request. It is not restricted to autistic passengers.
Can I Use the JAM Card on My Phone?
Yes. TFI says the JAM Card app is available for Android and iOS and allows users to select a message.
Where Can I Get a Physical JAM Card?
TFI lists participating transport operators, its Customer Contact Centre and NOW Group as ways to obtain a card. Check the official page for the current arrangements.
Does It Work on Dublin Bus?
Dublin Bus is among the TFI operators listed for JAM Card use. The ‘Ramp Please’ message is designed for bus passengers, although ramp deployment remains subject to safe and suitable boarding conditions.
Can I Use ‘Ramp Please’ on Luas or Irish Rail?
The wider JAM Card scheme can be used on Luas and Irish Rail, but TFI describes ‘Ramp Please’ specifically as a bus message. Check the separate accessibility arrangements for trains and trams.
Does the Card Guarantee an Accessible Bus?
No. It communicates your need for a ramp. You should still check the accessibility of the vehicle, route and stop.
Is a JAM Card the Same as a Travel Pass?
No. It is a communication aid, not a fare ticket or concessionary travel pass.
Official Information and Related Ireland Guides
For the latest details about messages, app downloads and where to obtain a card, use the Transport for Ireland JAM Card page or the NOW Group JAM Card website. TFI also links to videos showing passengers’ experiences with the wider JAM Card scheme.
- Accessible Transport in Ireland
- 14 Tips for Visiting Ireland With a Disability
- The ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ Badge in Ireland
- Luas Travel Assistance in Ireland
- What Is an Irish Rail Access Officer?
Source note: This article is based on Transport for Ireland’s official JAM Card information and personal experience.
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