A chat with HcL Transport: “It gives me independence”

HcL has been supporting communities across Edinburgh, East, West and Midlothian for over 40 years, since it was first established in November 1982.

Through services like Dial-A-Ride and Dial-A-Bus, HcL helps people get to essential appointments, do their shopping, visit friends or simply enjoy a change of scenery. But it is more than just transport. It is a lifeline.

Read on to hear from Dolina about the incredible work HcL does and the impact it has on the people they support.

What we offer in Midlothian

HcL currently provides three main services across the region: Dial-A-Ride, Dial-A-Bus, and Community Bus Routes. We also work with local lunch clubs and day centres to support group transport needs.

All HcL services offer door-through-door support. This means our trained drivers help each passenger from the door of their home, onto the vehicle, and then safely into their destination. We support people every step of the way.

Dial-A-Ride: Go where you need, when you need

Dial-A-Ride is a flexible service for anyone who finds it difficult to travel on their own. This includes older people, individuals with long- or short-term health conditions, disabilities, additional support needs, or those living in rural areas.

We’ll take you wherever you need to go: medical appointments, social events, wellbeing sessions or simply to visit family and friends.

Available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including evenings.
To book: Call 0131 447 9949

What our passengers say:
“This service is a lifeline to me. It enables me to get out and about without worry. The drivers are fantastic and patient.”
“Dial-A-Ride gives me independence. I don’t need to wait until someone is available to take me.”

Dial-A-Bus: Midlothian’s shopping service

Dial-A-Bus helps passengers reach major supermarkets and shopping centres with the reassurance of a supported journey.

You can enjoy up to two hours at your chosen destination, and the driver will assist you onto the vehicle, carry your shopping and help you back into your home if needed. All vehicles can accommodate two wheelchair users, and passengers have separate spaces to store shopping securely.

Dial-A-Bus in Midlothian operates Tuesday to Friday, with scheduled routes across the region. We travel to:

• Morrisons, Dalkeith
• ASDA/Sainsbury’s Straiton
• Cameron Toll
• Tesco Eskbank

Booking is required. Call 0131 447 1718 to reserve your place.
Travel is free for concessionary pass holders (effective from 1 February 2024).
For full routes and pick-up times: Dial-A-Bus Midlothian :: HcL Transport

What our passengers say:
“I’ve made new friends through Dial-A-Bus. It stops loneliness and gives me something to look forward to.”
“Brilliant service. I can do a big shop and still feel independent.”

Environmental commitment

All HcL services are delivered using Euro 6 or electric vehicles. By reducing the number of single occupancy car journeys, we help lower CO₂ emissions and support a cleaner, greener Midlothian.

How to access HcL services

To travel with us, you need to register, but registration is free and quick.

This helps us understand your mobility needs and plan appropriate support. You can register:

• Online
• By phone with our dispatch team
• By returning the registration form found in our leaflet

Phone: 0131 447 1718
All passengers must live in Edinburgh or the Lothians.
Card payments are accepted on all vehicles.
Watch our short video to find out more: HcL Services Video

A wee video about both our services which will explain everything you need to know:

We’re passionate about people

HcL is about more than transport. We are part of the community.

We work in partnership across Midlothian to offer a preventative service that supports physical and mental wellbeing, encourages an active lifestyle, and helps people stay connected. Last year alone, we helped over 100,000 people across the Lothians to access the places and people that matter most.

Looking after my own wellbeing

By Dolina Gorman, Fundraising and Marketing Manager, HcL Transport

“I love the sea, and I’m one of those people you’ll see bobbing around in the water at South Queensferry, no matter the time of year. It’s exhilarating. I love the connection with nature and the calm it brings. It supports my mental health and helps me feel grounded. It also allows me to connect with others who enjoy it too. It’s a wonderful community.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from HcL’s services, visit www.hcltransport.org.uk or call 0131 447 9949.

Together, let’s keep our communities moving and connected.