 Membership and How to use the service
Who can use Dial-a-Journey?
Anyone living in the 3 areas (including temporary visitors to the area) who are unable to use conventional public transport because of mobility problems.
National Concessionary Fares Scheme
With the introduction of the National Concessionary Fares Scheme, Dial-a-Journey members no longer need to surrender their travel pass to the local authority to use our services. At present the National Concessionary Fares Scheme does not extend to Dial-a-Journey Services.
When can I use it?
The service operates from 7.45am until 10pm (Mon-Fri) and 9am-10pm (Sat –Sun). The last pick up is at 9.30pm. It may be possible to make journeys outwith these times, but special arrangements must be made and additional charges will be applied. Provided there is a vehicle and driver available there is normally no limit to the number of journeys you can make.
Where can I go?
You can travel anywhere within the 3 Council operating areas. Should you wish to travel further outwith the operating area, it may be possible. However, customers wishing to travel within the operating area will take priority and fares outwith the area are not subsidised
Can friends travel with me?
All members can take one escort to assist them when travelling at the cost of £1. Your escort cannot be another Dial-a-Journey member. If space permits and at the discretion of the management, additional friends can travel with you but they must be collected at the same point of departure as yourself, and you must tell the office at the time of booking. They will normally pay the same fare as the member.
What happens if I need to cancel my journey?
If you need to cancel your journey, simply call the office by 4pm the day prior to travel and there will be no charge. Failure to notify the office of cancellation and a vehicle turns up to collect you, may result you being charged for the journey. Please remember if you don’t need to make your journey and you give enough notice, we can offer that slot to another passenger.
Is Dial-a-Journey only for special purposes?
No! You can use it for almost any purpose (except to attend hospital appointments where the ambulance service provides transport) You can use it to go shopping, visit friends, have a meal out, or any other purpose you can think of.
How much does it cost and how do I pay?
The fare you pay will depend on the distance you travel. It is possible to ask your fare at the time of booking. You just pay the driver at the time of
Travelling. For example, fares are currently calculated using zones and distance travelled, therefore if you wish to travel locally it is likely that you will pay the minimum fare of around £2.70 single, increasing to a maximum of around £9
Can I Advance book journey’s
Yes You can reserve 2 advance bookings, however, these must be booked no less than one calendar month prior to to the day of travel up to a maximum of 6 months in advance.
Does this mean that for normal journeys I need to book on the day?
For normal journeys you can book up to 6 days in advance, but once again due to heavy demand for transport, you are recommended to book as early as possible on these days, as availability disappears quickly and is normally on a first come first served basis.
Can I phone up on the day I want to travel?
Yes! We welcome enquiries on the day of travel, because you may be able to get a journey that someone else has cancelled. Providing you are willing to be flexible with your times of travel, we can often accommodate same day bookings. |
