DIAL-A-RIDE

The article describes the operation of a scheme in the London borough of Islington and discusses the views of its organiser - who is disabled - and his attempts to set up a similar scheme in Camden. He suggests that London Transport should be responsible for the dial-a-ride schemes, which provide the only practical means of public transport for many disabled people. It is considered to be very important that by using dial-a-ride, severely disabled people can go about on their own. The use of possible alternatives such as the mini-cab, requires the help of others to get in and out of a vehicle. The van used for dial-a-ride has three passenger seats as well as a space for one wheelchair. A call-out fee of 30p is charged, plus an additional rate of 30p for each half-hour involved. Limitations of the schemes in London are that their use is restricted to residents living within the particular borough. (A)