Our Services
A not-for-profit company and a registered charity, ESDAR has provided transport services in the community since 1989 for those who are more mobility challenged.
Our Vehicles
We have five fully accessible 12-seater minibuses, all of which we have owned from new and all of which are frequently checked for safety compliance, including Covid-19.
Our Drivers
All our drivers are fully trained, health and safety compliant and DBS checked to Enhanced Level. See Person Specification – Driver, East Surrey Dial-a-Ride
Who can travel with East Surrey Dial-a-Ride?
Members can use our door-to-door service (this includes carers/escorts)from Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm) (excluding public holidays).
Membership is open to residents of the Tandridge District Council postcodes of CR3 & CR6 (Caterham, Chaldon, Chelsham, Farleigh, Warlingham, Whyteleafe & Woldingham).
It is available to all who, due to mobility, advanced years or sight difficulties, find public transport challenging.
We invite you to join and benefit from the convenience, care and attention we deliver. Our drivers always strive to assist you on-and-off the vehicle where practical and possible. All we ask is that journeys are pre-booked no later than Midday on the day before travel and no more than 7 days in advance.
What types of journeys may I undertake?
You may travel to attend clinics, visit doctors/dentists, shops, garden centres, libraries, friends and relatives, hairdressers, local clubs, pubs or restaurants etc. East Surrey Dial-a-Ride transports many users of The Westway, Bletchingly Skills Centre, The Woodhouse Centre in Oxted, The Dementia Club in Farleigh, Warlingham Lunch Club and clubs at The Miller Centre in Caterham.
Where can I travel?
Anywhere within 7 miles of your home provided the destination is within the area of Tandridge District Council. Journeys to more distant parts of Tandridge and journeys to places outside the area of Tandridge District Council will be provided if capacity is available, although a fare, higher than the standard fare, will be charged.
Are there any limitations on travel?
The service is not intended to take you as a day-patient to and from, for example East Surrey Hospital in Redhill, though we will take you as a visitor. However, we will take you to Caterham Dene Hospital and/or Northdowns Hospital as a patient or visitor.
Can I bring a carer/escort or guide dog with me?
Yes, provided you tell us at the time you make your booking. There is no additional charge for your guide dog or for a carer/escort who accompanies you to assist to carry your shopping etc. However, a standard fare is charged for a carer/escort when accompanying you on one of our many excursions.
What does it cost?
Fares for each single journey are calculated as £2.50 per mile with a minimum single or return fare of £5. However, fares outside the 7 miles within Tandridge District Council will be determined on an individual basis and fares should be requested at the time of booking. All fares are paid to the Driver. We are, alas, unable to accept Concessionary Bus Passes.
How do I book a journey or excursion?
You should use our Booking Line (01883 349001) to book a journey up to 7 days before you wish to travel.
We have an active activities and events programme; though for the time, during current Covid restrictions, some may not be available.
Excursions are organised each week throughout the Summer to such destinations as coastal resorts, garden centres, pub lunches and shopping destinations and details of future Excursions and how to book them are contained in your 6-monthly newsletter. An answerphone operates when we are busy or when the office is closed.
You may also book in person at our office at the Westway Centre between 9.30am to 2.30pm. If you need to cancel a booking, please contact us as soon as possible.
How is East Surrey Dial-a-Ride Funded?
From 1 April 2017 all funding from our two principal providers – Surrey County Council and Tandridge District Council – was withdrawn. Our income now comes solely from fares, local businesses/organisations and donations from individuals, meaning that balancing our books is nigh impossible. We are in the process of drafting a funding strategy to attract the necessary finances to continue to offer our services to the local community. You could help us more by making a donation and, if you pay Income/Capital Gains Tax, by signing the Gift Aid Declaration, which enables us to claim Gift Aid on your membership fee as well as any donation.
Great, so how do I join?
Please complete the Application Form via this link