There used to be many more 9-hundreds-something Mobilty Bus services running all over London, but now the last one is the 969 from Whitton to Roehampton, that runs on Tuesday’s and Friday’s only. I’ve been meaning to ride it for ages, but when TfL also kindly invited me to go behind the scenes at their Dial-a-Ride depot as well, it was time to make a video about the whole thing …
The TfL Dial-A-Ride website is here : https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/dial-a-ride/
Roger’s blog on the 969 is here: https://busandtrainuser.com/2019/04/09/tfls-least-frequent-bus-route/
42 Comments
Geoff, with this sort of coverage, you're heading for a million.
Undoubtedly one of your best videos in a while. Both subjects were equally interesting, the bus was great, and the dial-a-ride service is really something to be proud of. Truly the best city on earth.
Brilliant video Geoff, thanks for taking the time to film and report on this excellent service!
Bruv, that’s the bus fleet for my school 😭
Could the folks at Dial-A-Ride reach out to the people who operate Para-Transpo here in Ottawa (Canada)? The service is seriously lacking and in need of improvement.
Very telling that the chief there is American. The US is definitely the world leader in accessibility
In most of the Chicago suburbs – we have PACE. They the normal city connector busses (fare charged) but also a dial-a-ride service for those with special needs.
It is free. It does not run after a certain – early time at night.
I bean on london bus 53 54 422 96 177 180 ( last time is was on the 178 it was 2019) 469 472 99 and more in woolwich
That dial a ride service looks fantastic. We have something similar in our city here in Canada. They need to be the norm everywhere.
What a brilliant service is Dial-a-Rise. Such an uplifting vlog. Thanks for sharing Geoff.
Really enjoying the bus content Geoff! Would love a video about Hail & Ride busses next! There’s an ongoing consultation about the 273…
What an excellent service to the community and amazing employees of Dial A Ride
969 is quite route do 549 next ❤😊
(Disabled American here) it’s so cool that they have bus(es) for those who can’t quite do the regular tube or other buses. Really quite thoughtful — I love that! To have regular public transportation AND specialized is so above and beyond.
And it takes them to FUN THINGS too, not just necessities and doctors appts! That’s really awesome, people never think about disabled people wanting to have FUN too. Oh to live in the UK 🥰
I used to drive the 532 Laxfield-Halesworth Wednesdays only service in Suffolk (relief driver) Mr French came and rode that with driver Mick. As a once a week service it got very full as we only had a 16 seater.. Still do dial a ride for the council.
917 needs to come back
Dail – a – ride is basically a taxi service but more for people who need assistance or have a disability or some sort.
Went to ride the 969 return journey from Roehampton to Whitton Lincoln Avenue last Friday – it had the same wheelchair passenger with her companion as in your video. We arrived at the Roehampton Vale stop early – which was just as well as the 969 left promptly at 13:00 – NOT at 13:15 as per the TfL website and indeed as in the printed timetable shown clearly in your video attached to stop PA. Per the wheelchair passenger's carer, it has left at 13:00 for years but no one has updated the timetable! Clearly the regular passengers knew this as there were about six people including the wheelchair used waiting well before 13:00 A four day wait for the next bus if you miss it!
TfL has lots of issues, but its moments like this that show how exemplary it can be in its field.
I’ve always been curious about the dial a ride service
Bravo sir 👏👏👏
Hey Geoff for your next vid could you do the 464 Connecter mini bus in tatsfield and biggie hill
What a great idea this service is! Amazing.
It's delightful to see that they got such a service working as well. Absolutely brilliant! But, the manager, James Mead. Is he an American bloke? He sounds like he just came straight out from the west coast of the US.
I remember the old Dial-a-Ride buses
The Dial-A-Ride is absolutely fantastic! I'm gonna keep an eye out for one when I'm in London in a fortnight!
Dial a ride sounds fantastic. As a wheelchair user, I wish it was extended for people who don't reside in London to use. I have hospital appointments in London but I live in a neighbouring county. It's often difficult navigating the tube with my wheelchair, and it's also tricky using a standard bus. I wish I could use dial a ride from the train station to the hospital!
I loved this video – I had no idea about the DAR buses. Thank you for telling us. However, can we just please pause for a moment to appreciate Rogers amazing knee high boots?!
In a world of cut backs and Tory austerity, I'm so proud that a service like this still exists
Dunno if anyones made the obvious joke but you seem bus(y)
Suppose you have heard about London Overground and its 6 lines that are to be renamed from Autumn this year. Which has caused lots of controversy including those who use the Overground.
Another great video…also loving Rogers snazzy boots..
85 years old or higher is a bit too high no?
I grew up along the 969 route. I’ve still never seen or ridden one in 24 years
We love you Geoff!
I feel like there's one thing they really didn't consider. The bus that carries people with mobility issues… stops on a fairly steep hill. Might be worth looking into moving the bus stop a little further up to reduce the angle.
This is what makes London different – really love to see that – and thank you for covering, Geoff
The dial a ride buses remind me of the Optare Solo buses on W12
Twice a week? Visit Australia for more than one ONCE A WEEK bus services!
I am a manager at Dial-A-Ride. Was a driver for 6 years. Such an incredible service. Those are the great teams I get to work with every day.
Well, you told us something there Geoffrey. Thank you very very much.
I remember taking a bus from Romford to Abridge, which was the ONLY bus each week. One trip out and one trip back. Can't remember the number now, but I don't think it was a Mobility bus or anything, justthe last remnant of a service that almost no one used.