Dial-a-Ride local area meetings give you the chance to participate in the continual improvement of our service. The next Southwark meeting will happen on Mon 14th Jan from 11:00-13:00.

‘This was my first meeting and I was quite impressed. The Dial-a-Ride staff were very co-operative and helpful. I saw them listening patiently to everyone and respond to the various questions that were raised. I think such regional forums are a bridge between the users and the organisers.’

The meetings do not deal with individual complaints, but consider broader service issues and policies. The forthcoming round of meetings will focus on the effects of the new application process introduced last July. The new process is more rigirous in assessing those who do not qualify under the automatic eligibility criteria, which includes being a Taxicard member.

Independent research has found that 95 per cent of people surveyed who had been through the process, felt that it was being fairly administered. The local area meetings will be contributing to discussions on how to improve support for people completing the DaR application form as well as identifying ideas on how to promote the service in the future.

You are automatically eligible for DaR membership if you

• Are a Taxicard member
• Are aged 85 or over
• Receive the higher rate component of Disability Living Allowance
• Are registered blind or partially sighted
• Receive the higher rate of Attendance Allowance
• Receive the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement

To find out more details and book your place, call DaR on 0845 999 1999 or 020 7309 8900, and select option 3.