Community First is pleased to announce that Dial-A-Ride Winchester is open to passengers following a phased reopening which started from Monday 6th July. Dial-A-Ride is the local community transport service for anyone whose access needs are not met by regular public transport. The service offers door-to-door pick-up and drop-off. Destinations are normally anywhere within Winchester District at passenger’s request, or
timetabled trips to local supermarkets and other facilities.
For the first stage of reopening, the service has had to make some changes to meet current Coronavirus guidelines. Regular passengers may not be able to travel as they used to because there will be reduced capacity and fewer destinations. Before their journey, each passenger will receive a pamphlet of detailed social distancing and safety guidance, including advice for the journey and while at the shops.
Safety of customers, staff and volunteers is paramount, so the following measures will be in place:
● Dial-A-Ride vehicles are deep cleaned on a twice daily basis
● PPE is available on all buses, including face coverings and hand sanitiser
● Disposable sleeves cover the seats during each journey
● Seating within vehicles is clearly marked to allow for social distancing at the 2m level
Services will run from anywhere in Winchester District to the following destinations as per the timetable below:
Monday AM and PM: Marks and Spencer, Winchester City Centre
Tuesday AM and PM: To be confirmed
Wednesday AM and PM: Tesco Winnall
Thursday AM and PM: Sainsbury’s, Badger Farm
Friday AM: Tesco Winnall
Friday PM: Sainsbury’s, Badger Farm
While the schedule will have some flexibility each week, trips will take place between the hours of 8:45am and 4:30pm.
To make a booking, please call the Dial-A-Ride team on 01962 852602, Monday-Friday 8- 5pm and with at least six days’ notice of your journey. For their safety, passengers who are clinically vulnerable and unable to shield during their journey will unfortunately not be able to use the service at this stage. If you are shielding and you need support, please phone the Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline, Hantshelp4vulnerable, on 0333 370 4000. The helpline is available on weekdays, from 9am-5pm Monday-Thursdays and 9am-4:30pm Friday, to provide information and advice as well as to connect people who need practical assistance with local support.
Lynne Peters, Community First’s transport manager for North areas, said:
We are pleased to be able to begin reopening Dial-A-Ride Winchester after a careful review of all the required safety measures. On behalf of the Winchester team, we are looking forward to seeing our passengers again over the coming weeks.
