Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has announced the abolition of fares on the Dial-a-Ride door-to-door with effect from 1 January 2008. The service is is provided by Transport for London for older and disabled passengers who are unable to use regular bus or Tube services.
TfL say the abolition of fares, which was announced by the Mayor at today’s Disability Capital conference, will cost them £700,000 next year. The concession will also apply to carers traveling with a qualifying passenger.
Speaking at today’s conference Mayor Livingstone, said “free Dial-a-Ride services will benefit 50,000 older and disabled Londoners, who make 1.2 million trips each year on this vital door-to-door service.”
“Many of us perhaps take for granted the ability to use buses, trams and the Tube, but for many Londoners that is not an option. By abolishing fares on Transport for London’s Dial-a-Ride services, we are improving access to a vital lifeline for some of London’s most vulnerable people, many of whom are on lower incomes.”
The announcement has been welcomed by Samantha Mauger Chief Executive of Age Concern London,who said her organisation “welcomes the Mayor’s move to provide a free door-to-door service for older and disabled Londoners.”
“This will certainly help to enable thousands of older people on low incomes to participate more actively in London life and may help to reduce the isolation many people with disabilities or mobility problems living in London experience.”
Faryal Velmi, Co-Director of Transport for All which campaigns for the rights of disabled passengers said “we wholeheartedly welcome the announcement from the Mayor that Dial-a-Ride will be made free, as this opens out the service to even more potential users, particularly those those who survive on low incomes.”
