Dial A Ride service

In May-June 2024 we asked how the withdrawal of the dial-a-ride (DAR) service would affect you, and if you had any views on how we could help current users with alternative travel arrangements. We received 45 responses in total.

Questions 1 and 2 asked who the respondents were and their postcodes. This was the respondent profile:

• 58% of respondents are regular DAR users
• 20% of respondents are occasional users
• 20% of respondents are registered, but never used the service
• 1% of respondents are a carer or advocate
• 1% of respondents did not answer the question.

Questions 3 and 4 asked how the withdrawal of the service would affect you both generally and in your day to day lives.

This was a free text answer therefore the responses have been categorised using a matrix and are summarised as follows:

• 4% of those responding have said there will be a high or very high impact on their life should the service cease
• 74% of people will experience impact/some impact
• 18% have said there will be little impact.

Question 5 asked for any further comments on the proposal to stop the service.

This was a free text answer and so the responses have been categorised using a matrix and each respondent could give multiple answers, so the totals are more than the number of respondents for this reason. The comments are summarised as follows:

• 9 people said they would pay increased fares to keep the service open
• 5 people said they would experience isolation if the service closed
• the majority of people (30, which is 67%) had no further comment.

Question 6 asked for any comments on the reasons behind the proposal (which were set out in the consultation).

This was a free text answer therefore the responses have been categorised using a matrix and each respondent could give multiple answers, so the totals are more than the number of respondents for this reason. The comments are summarised as follows:

• 1 person said they were able to use online services
• 6 people said we should increase the fares
• 5 people said that they would experience isolation
• 1 person said the service should be more flexible
• 32 people made no comment.

Some respondents made specific comments, which have been included below:

• “Funds have been generally mis-managed by the Council, and they should have been diverted to this service”.
• “It is disgusting that the Council make cuts for the most vulnerable”.
• “Long walk to bus stop”.
• “Need accessible transport”
• “What is the council spending our money on”.                                                     
• “Government should be locked up for the crimes against this country”.

Question 7 asked how we can help current users with alternative travel arrangements.

This was a free text answer and the main areas that were identified for additional assistance are:

• Provide additional information on alternative types of transport.
• Provide financial assistance for the users to pay for taxis.
• Advertise the service more and it may get more patrons.
• Charge all users and do not allow reduced fares.
• Continue with the service.

A decision has been made by Leicester City Council to stop the dial a ride service from 20 December 2024. We will provide options for alternative transport arrangements.