Getting to Church, Getting Around
Do you find it difficult getting to Mass on Sundays or during the week? Perhaps you know someone who does. If so, you might find the following information useful. Transport for London runs several schemes which are all designed to make getting out and about - whether it be to Mass, the shops or any other place! - easier for people with mobility problems. Here is a précis of the services that TfL offers along with links to further information at the Transport for London web site. For the source of the text, see the credits below.
Dial A Ride
is for people with permanent or long term disabilities
provides cheap journeys
does not have a limit on the number of journeys you can make
is available seven days a week from 6:00am to 2:00am
is appropriate for people in wheelchairs as all vehicles are wheelchair accessible
is for people with mobility problems
is available 24 hours a day
provides cheaper trips, but can be expensive for long journeys
offers a limited number of trips each year
is for social trips - not for travelling to important appointments
is appropriate for people in wheelchairs as all vehicles are wheelchair accessible
Capital Call
is for Taxicard members in some London Boroughs
is for social trips
provides fixed cost trips up to a fixed budget
uses minicabs, some of which are not accessible to wheelchair users who are unable to transfer into the seat of a saloon car
(NB: Camden, the City of London, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Tower Hamlets only offer the Taxicard service)
Community Transport
Some boroughs offer further transport services, such as community car schemes, PlusBus services and Mobility buses.
To learn more about these services in Hackney and Islington call 0207 275 2400.
For more information about Mobility Buses call TfL's 24 hour travel information line by phone: 0207 222 1234 or by textline: 0207 918 3015
Everyone knows that a taxi can be hailed in the street, but did you know that you can call for a taxi from the comfort of your own home? Here are some useful numbers (NB: There is an additional charge of up to £2 for a taxi booked by telephone. Other terms and conditions may apply, so please check when you book)
One Number Taxi Bookings: 0 871 871 871 0 (For bookings through Call-A-Cab, Com Cab, DataCab, Dial-A-Cab, Radio Taxis or XETA)
Zingo (Not from landline phones): 08700 700 700
Call-A-Cab: 0208 901 4444
ComCab: 0207 908 0207
DataCab: 0207 432 1540
Dial-A-Cab: 0207 253 5000
Radio Taxis: 0207 272 0272
XETA 0845 108 3000
Private Hire
All private hire businesses, drivers and vehicles must now be licensed (or, in the case of drivers, hold a temporary permit) in order to trade legally. The body in charge of licensing the private hire trade is the Public Carriage Office, which is a part of Transport for London. If you would like to check whether a business is licensed, ring: 0207 222 1234 or visit the Public Carriage Office's on line register.
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Credits: The text for this page comes from the Helping You To Get Out And About and Taxi A Guide to Taxi and Private Hire Services in London leaflets issued by the Public Carriage Office)
Every effort has been made to make sure that the details given on this page are accurate. If you do find any inaccuracies, please do not hesitate to contact the webmaster so that any necessary correction may be made.