HcL are in the Green Token Vote for December and January at ASDA Straiton.
Please pick up a green token when in store and vote for us when shopping.
You can also click on this link to vote online. You can vote every week.
We were delighted to be announced as winners of the Partnership of the Year at the CTA Awards 2021 on 18 November. Together with SCRAN Academy and PEP (Pilton Equalities Project) we were recognised for our partnership in Summer 2020 for the provision and delivery of over 120,000 meals to residents in Edinburgh.
We were also so proud that the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award was our Trustee, and previous Chair of our Board, Murial Williams. A fantastic recognition for over 25 years voluntary service to community transport.
Big THANK YOU to Co-op Stockbridge and Co-op Frederick Street for your support over the last 12 months and a huge thank you to Co-op Members who chose HcL as their cause to benefit from their spend.
HcL has taken the decision to limit the number of passengers on board a Dial-A-Ride vehicle to 4 (plus driver) from 25 October.
HcLs priority is the wellbeing of passengers and staff. And in light of the increase in numbers of Covid cases, has decided to introduce this measure.
Any bookings for over 4 passengers already confirmed for the next couple of weeks will be honored.
Please call 0131 447 9949 / 01506 633953 for further information.
Click here to read edition 23 of our newsletter.
HcL are proud to be a finalist for Community Transport Association Awards Photo Competition. Nine photos have been shortlisted, that captures the spirit of community transport during the pandemic.
HcLs photo is of 2 passengers enjoying an ice cream at North Berwick, with their guide dog, driver + our bus. Everyone, whatever their mobility level, should be able to enjoy the simple pleasures of smelling the sea air, enjoying an ice cream, walking on sand and listening to the sea. Their guide dog loved playing in the sea. People who are disabled, older, or require additional support to get out and about for any reason really appreciate the support to go somewhere different. A simple trip to the beach for an ice cream can mean so much.
HcLs service focuses on the support a passenger needs to go out, not just the transport. Our drivers make the service - whether its locking the passengers front door and popping the key in their hand or bag; or guiding them from inside their front door out of their home, down their path, onto the bus, into their seat and fasten their seat belt for them; or if its collecting them at the supermarket and carrying their shopping onto the bus and into their home. They chat to passengers, have a laugh and some banter. Our drivers often get as much out of the trip as the passengers do. But it is also about making memories happen - being able to go somewhere different, on a day out, or attend an event, or visit friends or family, by getting to go to church, by getting out of their care home for the day. That is what this picture encapsulates.
We are the only Scottish CTA to reach the final 9 choses photos and would really appreciate your votes. Please take 2 two seconds + vote for HcL by 18 October.
HcL has been providing vaccine transport for free for people with mobility challenges across Edinburgh and the Lothians since January 2021. We are proud to have supported hundreds of people to get to and from their vaccine appointment safely.
Call 0131 447 9949 for transport in Edinburgh, East Lothian or Midlothian
Call 01506 633953 for transport in West Lothian.
From 16 August, the restrictions on number of passengers on board our vehicles is removed. Drivers will still be wearing PPE and cleaning the vehicle between journeys. Passengers are asked to wear their face masks, unless exempt.
It's summer and we have been delighted to be driving and supporting passengers to get away in Scotland.
Over the Summer we have been taking passengers to enjoy holidays in Oban, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, North Berwick, Arbroath, Callander, Seton Sands and many more Scottish destinations!
We have also taken small groups on day trips to destinations including Blair Drummond, North Berwick, Five Sisters Zoo and Stirling.
Get in touch if you need help with transport for anyone with mobility challenges to get a wee break away or day out!
We have now had over 1,500 passengers on our new Community bus in Broxburn and Uphall, since the route started in April 2021. 79% of passengers have used their concessionary travel passes. We are delighted that concessionary travel passes are valid on WLcomBus - Dial-A-Bus rebranded - since it returned to service in August (West Lothian only, at this time).
HcL are also providing transport for nurses to administer Covid vaccinations in peoples homes, who cannot travel to vaccine centres, and in care homes.
We have supported over 1000 home visits and over 50 care home visits. (30 April 2021)
The pilot of this service began on Monday 5 April, delivered by HcL in partnership with West Lothian Council.
The Service will operate on a hail and ride basis in residential areas where there are no formal bus stops. Passengers can signal to the driver to stop at any point in these areas, providing it's safe to do so.
Fares are £1.70 for adults, and £0.90 for children, with concessionary bus pass holders able to travel for free. Please have the exact money as no change can be given, and contactless payment will be accepted.
All the vehicles used on the 2A and 2B routes are fully accessible and are specially adapted to carry combinations of wheelchair users and other passengers safely and comfortably.
Please click here to download issue 22 of our newsletter.
Please note you will need to register to use this service but it is quick and free.
Call 0131 447 9949 for transport in Edinburgh, East Lothian or Midlothian
Call 01506 633336 for transport in West Lothian.
HcL is one of the 5 Community Transport groups that make up ECTOG.
Working alongside Dove Transport (The Dove Centre); Lothian Community Transport Services (LCTS); Pilton Equalities Project (PEP); and SEAG (South Edinburgh Amenities Group) with City of Edinburgh Council.
Together we supported local charities and organisations in the distribution of food parcels and meals to people across Edinburgh during 2020 in response to the pandemic.
Full report is available on request.
Following the announcement on 04/01/2021 by the Scottish Government, we can confirm that Dial-A-Ride is operational and can take you to Hospital and other medical appointments, to shops and to funerals, if required.
Just give either office a call to book:
West Lothian - 01506 633953
Edinburgh / Midlothian / East Lothian - 0131 447 9949
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:
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:
Please call your local office to book transport:
Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian - 0131 447 9949 West Lothian - 01506 633953
We are delighted to be chosen as one of Frederick Street and Raeburn Place Coops charities until October 2021. We have also been chosen as a charity by Coop Funeralcare Queensferry Road (also known as W T Dunbar & Sons).
All Coop Members can select a charity and the charity gets 2p for every £1 you spend for 12 months. You can also choose to donate your 2p rewards you earn and donate them to your chosen charity.
Please register online, if you are not already a member - https://www.coop.co.uk/membership
We would love it if you could select HcL Transport. If you are already a member and have not selected a charity please do log in and select HcL. You can select HcL as your charity, even if you do not shop in these stores.
https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/43155
Please nominate HcL to win funding from SEIB Insurance. Nominations close 12 January.
Our charity number is SC013906.