Our Dial a Ride is more than transport
Our Dial a Ride scheme offers more than just transport, says the service’s Relief Driver and Administrator, Frank Godwin. In fact, it’s socialisation on wheels for many who use it.
Frank took some time out from his busy schedule recently to tell us all about the service and why it makes such a huge difference to those that access it.
“We’re here to help people of all ages, living in Southampton, who are unable to use mainstream public transport and do not have their own means of getting about, or the support to do so.
Door-to-door service
“It’s a membership scheme and people can phone us from Monday to Friday to organise for us to come and collect them from their home when they need to go on a trip. That might be to the shops, to a social event or to see a friend. We offer a door-to-door service. We can take passengers to get prescriptions but we’re unable to take them to the hospital or doctors.
“We have the same people doing the same sorts of things pretty much every week. A certain group will do one thing, one day and another day, another group will do something else. So, for example, we take a group shopping to Lord’s Hill every Thursday.
“On other days, we might take people to a specific club or activity they do. There are lots of things going on and different places to visit, we go all over. Some want to do a Sainsbury’s shop and others a Lidl one, and we accommodate that.
Sociable
“A few people knew each other before they became members and started getting the bus, and others have met and meet people when they get on. It’s very sociable and can be a very jolly atmosphere.
“Our service is for all ages, but we mostly have users aged 65 plus. We do occasionally have other younger users. I know there are others out there who would benefit from it too. That intergenerational interaction is great for everyone.
“As drivers, we know how important it is to chat to our passengers. Everyone in the team is chatty. It’s really important to have a rapport with our customers, as we might be the only person they have spoken to today.
Good conversation
“We always ask them how they are, so even if there is no one else on the bus when they are travelling, the socialisation is always there.
“But striking up a good conversation with our bus users works both ways, as I have found I have learnt so much about Southampton from them.
“I don’t come from the city originally, I come from Bournemouth, so I don’t know as much as my passengers do. You learn so much from having conversations with them and it’s fascinating.
“I now know lots about the city’s history and especially what it was like in the 1950s and 60s. So, while we’re providing a service, I feel that I get so much back too. It’s a really rewarding and interesting job.
Support
“We offer a private bus route really and when things are quiet, we can do little detours too. For example, one lady I took out not so long ago for a trip asked if we could make the return journey through the city centre so she could see the flowers.
“As it was just after things had started opening up more after the lockdowns, it was lovely and quiet, and easy to do that for her. She really enjoyed it, especially since she hadn’t been outside her care home for 15 months or so due to Covid.
“For lots of people who we transport, it’s been, naturally, scary for them with the pandemic and we’ve been here to give them reassurance. They are vulnerable and leaving home to re-start the activities they used to do before Covid has been a big worry for them.
“So, part of our role recently has also been to give them some additional kind words of support, as well as offering a socially distance service when needed.
Extra assistance
“We also help our service users physically. Some struggle with walking or are in wheelchairs and we can help them on to the bus. We have a lift for wheelchairs and sliding steps and handles for others that need extra assistance getting off and on the bus.
“We help people once they get to the supermarket, for example, get their trollies. For one of the ladies who we take to the shops it helps her stand up if we can get a trolley for her. We don’t help with the shopping but can help take it to someone’s front door or pop it inside. It’s all a bit more personal and less anonymous than calling a taxi too.”
Find out more
Our SCA Transport team, which Frank is part of, provides our Dial a Ride service on behalf of Southampton City Council. The bus can make trips anywhere within Southampton City boundaries. All our journeys are risk assessed in advance.
Dial a Ride bookings can be taken between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Vehicle operating times are between 9.15am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
To find out more, please visit our Dial a Ride page