Portsmouth’s Beloved Dial-a-Ride Service Forced to Shut Down
Portsmouth’s crucial Dial-a-Ride service for the elderly and disabled has been scrapped for good. Launched in 2015 after the original scheme was cut by the Tory administration, Pompey Dial Ride has finally been forced to close its doors.
Vital Transport Service Pulled
Run by Tracey Jones and Kerron Barnes, Pompey Dial Ride offered a lifeline: fully accessible, door-to-door rides for those unable to use regular buses. Its sudden closure has left many stranded.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I have to let everyone now know that Pompey Dial Ride is no longer,” the service said in an emotional statement.
“I want to thank everyone who supported us, especially Alan Priddy, Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Steve Pitt and Kenneth Ebbens – you went above and beyond. To all our lovely customers, I’m so sorry I couldn’t save your service. I’m going to miss every one of you.”
Political Punch-Up Over The Axing
The saga hit headlines back in March when Tory councillors and “independent” John Ferrett tried to shift blame onto the Liberal Democrat team. The Lib Dems had worked tirelessly to keep the service alive.
Lib Dem councillor Steve Pitt said, “This Council stopped funding Dial Ride, and it was due to close last August. People stepped in to stop that happening.”
He added: “Gerald Vernon-Jackson found Dial Ride a new office after they had to leave the Beneficial Foundation. I asked business angels for help, rewrote their business plan into council speak, and got students from Portsmouth Uni to support them. We appointed a new accountant and are working on a bid for the Voluntary Sector Challenge Fund.”
Tories’ Empty Promises
Meanwhile, Tory group leader Donna Jones and Tory councillor Ken Ellcome, now Lord Mayor and trustee of the Beneficial Foundation, pledged to replace the service they’d axed.
Cllr Ellcome boasted, “I’m pleased we’ve helped Tracey and Kerron ensure dial ride moves forward. This new, improved service will extend its reach, helping residents get around, go shopping, and enjoy special trips. I wish them every success.”
But with the service now closed, critics say these promises ring hollow and Portsmouth’s vulnerable residents are paying the price.
