Dial a Ride and Shopmobility
Last updated: 29 August 2012 16:29 UKDial a Ride
Pete’s Airlink operates Dial a Ride in Portsmouth under contract to the City Council.
What is Dial a Ride
Dial a Ride provides fully accessible, door-to-door transport service for anyone who finds it difficult or impossible to use ordinary bus services. All the minibuses have low steps and a passenger lift allowing the service to provide transport for wheelchair users. When you make a booking the minibus will collect you from your door and take you to your destination, like a taxi service.
Who can use the service?
• Resident of Portsmouth with a mobility or sensory impairment
• If you find it difficult or cannot use bus services
• Do not have to be registered disabled
• Do not have to be a wheelchair user.
• Can take a friend or family member as a companion with you.
• Hearing and guide dogs are welcome.
Do you need to register?
You will need to register by telephoning the operator on 023 9223 0250 between 8:00 am and 4.00 pm Monday to Friday. They will send you a registration form to complete and return along with the registration fee.
Alternatively you can also register with them over the phone if you find difficulty in completing the form yourself.
Where can you go?
You can travel anywhere in the City of Portsmouth for shopping and social trips. Please note that they cannot accept bookings for
hospital appointments, day centres or block bookings.
Will the driver help me get on and off the vehicle and can I travel in my wheelchair?
If you need assistance, there well-trained, friendly drivers will help you at the beginning and end of the journey. Most wheelchairs can be taken on Dial a Ride buses. You may be asked for further information about your wheelchair before you travel for the first time.
What does it cost?
There is an annual membership fee of £5.00, which is payable when you register with the service.
Their fares structure is very simple:
- single fare is £2.50
- return fare £4.00
- There is a £1.00 fare for a family member or friend who accompanies you as a companion regardless of whether it is a single or return journey.
When can you travel?
• Monday to Friday: 08:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The operator will always do their best to find pick-up times convenient for you. However, please be aware that this may not always be possible.
How and when can you book?
You can book as soon as you are registered by telephoning the operator on 023 9223 0250 between:
• 8:00 am and 4.00 pm Monday to Friday and
• 10:00 am and 4:00 pm Saturday & Sunday.
Bookings can be made 3 days in advance. For example if you want to travel on Thursday you can ring the Monday before to book. If you want to travel on the weekend you can book from the Monday.
Pete’s Airlink can also provide Community Transport Group Travel.
Further information on Portsmouth Dial a Ride and Community Transport Group Travel can be found on the operator's website.
Shopmobility
Shopmobility provides manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters to help people with limited mobility to shop and use the city centre facilities. It can be used by young or old no matter whether their disability is temporary or permanent. Shopmobility is available both to residents and visitors alike. First time visitors need to register and training in the use of the vehicle will be provided.
Shopmobility Schemes are located next to car parking facilities so that when passengers arrive, they are able to park and transfer directly to their chosen vehicle. The user pays a deposit on the vehicle, which is refunded when the vehicle is returned. In some locations, leisure mobility schemes are being developed to take the concept of Shopmobility and apply it to other destinations such as seaside, the countryside and special events widening access for all in the area.
Portsmouth Disability Forum has taken responsibility for the management of Portsmouth Shopmobility in Arundel Street, from the 1st April 2012. The service has been secured for the next three years by a contract with Portsmouth City Council.
As far as Portsmouth Shopmobility service users are concerned it should be business as usual, with the existing staff and volunteer team remaining, with changes to publicity material and signage. The existing fleet is being reviewed, refurbished and in some cases renewed to ensure that we continue to provide a first class service giving the individual the freedom to get around independently.
Portsmouth Shopmobility already provides services via the Historic Dockyard as well as through ‘meet and greet’ delivering vehicles to individuals’ residences. There are also plans to extend the service as and when possible to other locations around the city.
If you would like further information, would like to get involved, or have ideas for the service you would like to share please contact the Shopmobility Team direct:
Contact Traci Cane or Nicky Blackburn on 023 9281 6973 or shopmobilty@p-d-f.org or follow on Facebook Portsmouth Shopmobility. Frank Sorrell Centre Prince Albert Road Southsea Hampshire P04 9HR
