Individual Transport
Community Transport provides full accessible transport services for individuals who do not have access to alternative or conventional modes of transport. Transport is available on request from your local community transport operator and is subject to availability. In order to travel you must register as a member. Transport is provided either by community minibus or a volunteer car. Cost for transport is calculated on a not-for-profit basis – prices are available for members, on request. In rural areas individuals may use the Dial a Lift service that is subsidised by the Department for Regional Development’s Rural Transport Fund, this service is only available from Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm and does not provide travel to hospitals. Please note SmartPass concessions only apply for trips taken as part of the Dial a Lift service. If you wish to travel to hospitals, in the evenings or weekends and have difficulty accessing other transport options please contact your local community transport operator.
What is Dial a Lift?
Dial-a-lift is a transport service delivered by rural community transport operators on behalf of the Department for Regional Development’s Rural Transport fund.
Dial-a-Lift is a transport option for individuals living in rural areas who are unable to, or have difficulty accessing local basic services due to a lack of transport (e.g. access to a car or public transport). The Dial a Lift transport service is delivered to you by your local community transport operator. There are operators all over Northern Ireland ready to provide transport solutions for you.
Dial a Lift - Audio Information leaflet
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Click here to listen to audio files from the Dial a Lift Information leaflet. » |
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What can Dial a Lift be used for?
Dial a Lift can be used for a variety of purposes including:
- Local shopping
- Some local health services (e.g. doctor, dentist, chiropodist, optician, health centre)
- Local pharmacy
- Post Office or banking
- Training and/or local employment
- Visiting friends and family
- Linking to the public transport network
Dial-a-Lift cannot be used for the following purposes:
- Hospital inpatient appointments
(For the purposes of Dial-a-Lift, a hospital inpatient appointment is regarded as an admission to a hospital or clinic for treatment that requires at least one overnight stay) - Local day care services run by the local Health and Social Care Trust or private organisations.
- Home to School Transport.
Dial a Lift provides access to local services or links you with the public transport network to travel beyond your local area.
The Dial-a-Lift service is for access to local services only. If you wish to travel outside your local area, we will, where possible, link you with the wider public transport network hubs (e.g. your local train or bus station). Translink have advised that they can provide an accessible vehicle, if required providing they are given at least 36 hours notice.
Who can use these Dial a Lift services?
To qualify to use Dial a Lift you must be a member of your local Community Transport Service and meet the following criteria:
- Live in a rural area, i.e. an area not covered by the Urban Door to Door scheme.
- Please contact us on 0845 650 1190 to discuss. You may qualify for the Urban Door to Door scheme.
- Have difficulty accessing everyday services due to lack of transport.
How are these services funded?
The Dial a Lift Service is funded through the Rural Transport Fund within the Department for Regional Development. The Assisted Rural Travel Scheme is funded by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Do I need to register to use the Dial a Lift service?
Yes, you must register with your local community transport operator who delivers Dial a Lift services. To register as a member please contact us on 0845 650 1190 or contact your local community transport operator.
When is the service available?
The Dial-a-Lift service is available Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm.
If you wish to travel outside these times please contact your local rural community transport operator who will provide details of any alternative services available. Restricted operating hours will be in operation during public holidays.
How do I make a booking for travel?
Bookings can be made by contacting your local community transport office on 0845 650 1190. All bookings must be made by 4pm at least 2 working days before day of travel.
How much does Dial a Lift transport cost?
Fares are determined by distance travelled. A single journey of up to 5 miles will cost no more than £2.00.
A copy of the Dial-a-Lift fare schedule for your area is available from your local community transport operator.
Can I use my Translink SmartPass to travel on Dial a Lift?
You can travel free of charge on Dial a Lift in Northern Ireland if you hold one of the following SmartPasses:
- 65+ Senior SmartPass
- 60+ SmartPass
- Blind SmartPass
- War Disablement SmartPass
You can travel for ½ fare on Dial a Lift if you hold the following SmartPass:
- Half Fare SmartPass
(At present the Scheme is due to run until 2015 at which point it will be reviewed).
Is this service accessible?
Dial a Lift is accessible and inclusive. Transport will be matched to your requirements using a range of resources at the disposal of your local community transport operator, including accessible vehicles for wheelchair access.
Urban Door to Door
If you live in a town or city you may qualify for Urban Door to Door service. For further information and criteria or to find out if your area qualifies for this service please go to the Department For Regional Development web site.
