Disability Action Transport Scheme (DATS)

Disability Action Transport Scheme (DATS) is a local specialist transport service for people living in towns or cities who find it difficult to use public transport. It used to be known as the door-2-door service.

COVID-19 update - All Disability Action Transport Services have been suspended until further notice.

Using the service

You can use this service to take you to your work, the local shops, the town centre, the hairdresser, the doctor or to visit your family or friends.

To use the service, you must be a member. To join, request an application form from the Disability Action Transport Scheme.

If you were a member of the door-2-door scheme you don't need to do anything, as your membership will have transferred over to the new DATS.

Eligibility

To become a member of the DATS you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • be registered blind
  • be aged 80 or over
  • receive the higher rate of the mobility part of Disability Living Allowance
  • receive the higher rate of the care part of Disability Living Allowance
  • receive the enhanced rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)    
  • receive the enhanced rate of the daily living part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • receive the higher rate of the care part of Attendance Allowance

Planning your journey

Once your membership is confirmed you will receive a card with your membership number and telephone booking line number. It is recommended you save these details in your phone, if you have one.

The booking office is open:

  • Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm (excluding public holidays)

You can book a trip up to seven days before the day you want to travel. Members can request their trip on the day they want to travel but it is recommended that trips should be requested at least 48 hours beforehand.

Availability

The service operates during the following times:

  • Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday varies depending on the area - contact your local provider for more information

On bank and public holidays there is no service. You will get details of bank holidays when you join the scheme.

Fares

A fare is £2.50 per single journey for adults and £1.25 per single journey for children aged five to 15 years. Children under the age of five years travel for free.

When you travel

When using the DATS:

  • make sure you have the right money to pay the driver
  • the driver will pick you up outside your house - they will then make sure you get into the vehicle and have your seatbelt on
  • the driver will take the payment from you for your journey
  • when you arrive at your destination, the driver will make sure you get out of the vehicle safely - the same will happen when the vehicle picks you up on the way home
  • when you are waiting to come back home, the driver will wait outside where you are being picked up
  • if you need to cancel your booking, call your booking office as early as possible

Disability Action

For more information on the scheme works, visit the Disability Action website.

Audio version of this webpage

You can find an audio version of the information on this page at the link below.

Travel Safe guide

Get a copy of the Travel Safe Guide, contact Department for Infrastructure - accessible transport.
 

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