Fares go up at Dial a Ride

Scarborough charity Dial a Ride, which helps people get out and about by minibus, has increased its fares for the first time in six years.

The board of trustees, who made the decision, took into account the increased cost of fuel along with diminishing grants.

For 2018/19, Dial A Ride will receive just one annual grant of £1,500 from Scarborough Council plus an anticipated £22,000 reimbursement from North Yorkshire County council.

The cost of replacing wheelchair accessible minibuses has also increased to a cost of £38,000 to £60,000 per vehicle.

Manager Julie Banks said: “The fare increases have been kept as low as possible as our trustees recognise that a significant number of our passengers rely on basic pensions or benefits and would not be able to get out if our fares were not affordable to them.”

Julie also wanted to reassure people that the phones are now operating as normal following a switch of supplier and the number is still (01723) 354434.

The charity is also looking for volunteer minibus drivers and passenger escorts to help Dial a Ride meet the increasing demand for its service.

If you can spare a day a week and are interested in finding out more, call the number above.

If you don’t drive, you could still volunteer as a passenger escort and assist people during their journey.