Transport for London (TfL) has extended the operating hours of its Dial-a-Ride accessible minibus service to midnight, seven days per week, after booking requests grew by 12% this year compared to 2022.
Final pick-ups will be made at 2300hrs. Dial-a-Ride in the capital has operated until 2200hrs since the pandemic. In addition to growing demand, TfL says that engagement work with Age UK London and Transport for All on expansion of the service, along with feedback sourced from users, has contributed to the decision.
It hopes that elongation of the operating day will “encourage more people to take advantage of the vital service,” after the pandemic led to a significant reduction in use. Dial-a-Ride will continue to start at 0700hrs.
12 additional drivers have been recruited to deliver the extended operating hours, along with more staff to reduce call waiting times. TfL adds that a simpler booking system will be introduced later this year to streamline the making of reservations and improve routing, which will benefit service efficiency.
Speaking about the changes, TfL Head of Dial-a-Ride James Mead says: “Our free door-to-door Dial-a-Ride service enables people of all ages with accessibility needs to get where they need to be. It helps to boost their social contact and reduce isolation, which makes a real difference to people’s lives.
“We are committed to ensuring that more Londoners take advantage of this vital free service, which is why we are investing to improve Dial-a-Ride further with extended opening hours, additional staff, and a new simpler booking system.
“We are also increasing our engagement with local groups and healthcare providers to promote Dial-a-Ride to more people.”
Outside of Dial-a-Ride operating hours, the London Taxicard scheme remains in operation. It provides subsidised door-to-door journeys in licensed taxis and minicabs for London residents with serious mobility or visual impairments.
