The East Surrey Dial-a-Ride bus service has been serving the community for the past 30 years, but in recent months the funding has been limited, causing concern for its users. The service is no longer funded by the county or district council and all income is generated by donations from local businesses, individuals and fundraising events.
Dial-a-Ride provides transport for those who are unable to use our public transport system due to mobility or health issues. Service users are asked to pay a subsidised annual fee as well as a discounted fare for each journey. The service can operate up to 500 trips in a typical week.
Teresa Fitzpatrick is a regular Dial-a-Ride user and is extremely concerned the service may not be able to continue due to lack of funding from the local authorities.
Teresa said:
I rely on the service every day. As well as using it for trips to the local supermarket and to attend medical appointments, I also use it for meeting people and making new friends. I enjoy trips to the local garden centre and afternoon tea with my friends but without the Dial-a-Ride service I will be isolated in my home.
Without adequate funding it is feared that the service will not make it into its 31st year of operating. If you would like to help the service or if you have any fundraising ideas, please contact the East Surrey Dial-a-Ride team on 01883 349001.
