Dial-a-Ride provides a vital transport lifeline to many Londoners. It gives freedom to Londoners of all ages.
The service can be improved with minimal cost, to ensure that those who rely on it get the best service possible.
The London Assembly today supported the recommendations set out in a report by Age UK London and therefore calls on the Mayor and TfL to adopt them.
Emma Best AM, who proposed the motion said:
Dial-a-Ride is a vital service that many Londoners depend upon for essential trips and provides a route out of social isolation for some of our capital's most vulnerable residents. The Mayor must take action to ensure it continues to effectively deliver for its customers.
I'm therefore delighted the Assembly has today agreed this motion which follows on from the publication of Age UK and Transport For All's 'Door to More' report and makes several simple, inexpensive yet transformative recommendations. As an Assembly we must now continue to push for Dial-a-Ride's booking system to be improved and its operating hours extended, making sure that the Mayor and TfL don't put these necessary changes on the backburner.
Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, who seconded the motion said:
Getting to an appointment or simply leaving home for social interaction can be daunting for those with age or mobility issues.
Dial-a-Ride is a lifeline for many Londoners. Age UK London and Transport for All have found that aspects of the service, including the booking system and operating hours could be improved for a minimal cost.
We support their recommendations and hope the Mayor will do the same - for the sake of those Londoners who struggle to travel around our city.
The full text of the motion is:
The Assembly notes that the service provided by Dial-a-Ride provides a vital transport lifeline to many Londoners when other modes of transport do not. This vital service provided by Transport for London (TfL), provides a freedom to many Londoners of all ages and helps in alleviating social isolation as well as providing a direct health benefit in getting users to non-hospital appointments when needed. The service however can be improved with minimal cost to make sure that those that rely on Dial-a-Ride have the best service possible.
This Assembly agrees with the recommendations set out in the report by Age UK London and Transport for All titled 'Dial-a-Ride: From Door to More' and therefore calls on the Mayor and TfL to adopt them.3
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- https://www.ageuk.org.uk/london/about-us/news/articles/2022/dial-a-ride…
- Emma Best AM, who proposed the motion is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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