FREE Vaccine Transport for people with mobility challenges.

We are delighted to share that we will be offering FREE transport for people with mobility challenges to get to their vaccine appointments.

Any person who has challenges with getting out and about due to age, disability, heath issues (short-term or long-term), additional support needs or geographic remoteness is eligible to use the service.

You do not need to be already registered with HcL already.

Bookings are subject to availability so call the relevant office as soon as you have your appointment and we will do our very best to help get you to your appointment and home safely.

Please note you will need to register to use this service but it is quick and free.

West Lothian - 01506 633953

Edinburgh / Midlothian / East Lothian - 0131 447 9949





Dial-A-Ride

Following the announcement on 04/01/2021 by the Scottish Government, we can confirm that Dial-A-Ride is operational. We can take you to Hospital and other medical appointments, to shops for essential shopping, support caring requirements and to funerals, if required.

Just give either office a call to book.

Keeping you safe

Please watch the following short film to show changes in procedures and cleaning protocols that we have introduced to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and drivers:


At the time of booking passengers will be asked: 

  • how you are feeling? 
  • do you have any symptoms associated with Covid-19 such as high temperature or a continuous cough? 
  • if you have noticed any difference in taste and smell? 
  • if you are self-isolating? 

If you answer yes to any of these questions then travel will be refused.

Our driver will ask you the same questions when they arrive to collect you to see if there has been any changes since booking. If you answer yes to any questions, travel will be refused. Please call the office as soon as possible if you are not well enough to travel.

Procedures for protecting passengers, escorts and drivers:

  • Face masks must be worn by passengers and escorts unless they are exempt e.g COPD or other similar conditions. 
  • Drivers will have face masks on when helping passengers; 
  • Drivers will use hand sanitiser before getting in and out the vehicles and before and after helping passengers; 
  • Drivers disinfect all areas required in between journeys. 
  • Vehicles are thoroughly disinfected at the beginning and end of each shift and each week are deep cleaned weekly by using a Fogger ULV disinfectant mist sprayer.

Please call your local office to book transport:

Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian - 0131 447 9949                                   West Lothian - 01506 633953

Dial-A-Bus services are currently suspended. 

Welcome to HcL

HcL Transport is a registered charity, set up in 1982 as Handicabs (Lothian), to provide accessible transport for people in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

We provide door-through-door transport services meeting personal mobility needs by providing the assistance needed at the start and end of a journey. This may be assisting people with getting their coat on or locking their door for them. It may be providing an arm as they walk out from their home to the bus. It may be ensuring that they are safely in their home after the journey. 

We provide support to people of any age who have mobility challenges. The includes elderly; people with disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs; people with health issues (long term or short term); and geographic remoteness.

We provide a service 365 days a year, evenings and weekends (subject to driver availability). We provide 2 services – Dial-A-Ride and Dial-A-Bus. 

Our services help people to get out more, feel less isolated and more independent. Passengers tell us:

‘The service is second to none. The drivers can’t do enough for us and make you feel special which is lovely as most pensioners are invisible to young folk.’ 


‘The bus picks me up at the door and same on return. I love using it to meet my friends – old & new. The drivers are so cheery and helpful.’