If you need help with transport
Dial-a-Bus is an on-demand transport service typically operated by a small bus or taxi. It is designed for areas where regular bus services are not practical or for people with limited mobility. Many vehicles are wheelchair accessible.
The service runs within a defined area and time period, without fixed routes or timetable. It is open to all passengers for any journey within these limits.
You can book outward and return journeys, or multiple journeys on the same day.
Service areas
- Assynt (T02)
- Dornoch (T05)
- Durness (T13)
- Grantown-on-Spey (T09)
- Ferintosh, Ross-shire (T22)
- Kinlochbervie (T01)
- Nairnshire (T14)
- North Sutherland (T12)
- Tain (T17)
How to book
To book a journey, call the service operator by 6pm the day before you wish to travel. Late bookings may be possible but cannot be guaranteed.
You will need to provide:
- Your preferred travel time
- Pick-up and drop-off locations
- A contact phone number (if available)
If you have a fixed appointment such as a medical visit, you may book several weeks in advance.
Booking times and flexibility
We aim to offer a booking as close to your requested time as possible. However, to accommodate all passengers, you may be asked to accept a time:
- Up to 30 minutes earlier or later
- If a later time is not acceptable, you may be asked to travel up to 45 minutes earlier
- If an earlier time is not acceptable, you may be asked to travel up to 45 minutes later
Once confirmed, the vehicle should arrive no more than 5 minutes before or 10 minutes after your booked time.
Fares and accessibility
- Fares are similar to standard bus fares.
- Holders of the National Entitlement Card (Scotland) can travel free of charge.
- The service generally does not travel on private roads unless required for passengers with mobility needs. Use of private roads is at the operator’s discretion.
Pick-up and drop-off
You may be picked up or dropped off at any safe location on a public road within the service area. The vehicle may also stop at designated bus stops.
Cancellations and changes
Contact the operator as soon as possible if you need to cancel or amend your booking. Changes made after 6pm will be accommodated where possible, but cannot be guaranteed.
The service may operate for a single passenger, but pick-up times may be adjusted to allow for shared journeys when appropriate.