Not every private-hire vehicle can carry a wheelchair user safely. A standard saloon or MPV may physically fit a folded manual wheelchair in the boot, but that is a different thing from an accessible transfer — one where the passenger can remain in their wheelchair throughout the journey, board without difficulty, and travel with proper restraints in place.
This article covers the Fare 1 accessible vehicle, how it works, and what to include in your booking to make sure the right vehicle is dispatched.
The vehicle: VW Caddy Maxi Life (accessible conversion)
The Fare 1 accessible vehicle is a Volkswagen Caddy purpose-configured for wheelchair transport. It is not a converted minivan or a standard car with a folding ramp stored somewhere. Key features:
- Rear-entry ramp. Folds out to provide a gentle incline for wheelchair entry. The gradient is suitable for most standard manual and powered wheelchairs.
- Wheelchair clamp system. The wheelchair is secured to the floor with an approved tie-down system before the vehicle moves. The passenger is not sitting in a loose wheelchair.
- Lap-and-diagonal seatbelt. Worn by the passenger in addition to the wheelchair restraints, in the same way any seated passenger uses a belt.
- Carer seating. There is seating for a carer or companion alongside the wheelchair position. If you are travelling with someone, they travel with you in the same vehicle.
- Space for a foldable powerchair or standard transit wheelchair. For powerchair users, please specify the type and approximate weight of the chair when booking — this helps the driver prepare.
What the driver does
The driver assigned to accessible bookings is familiar with the vehicle and the boarding procedure. They will:
- Deploy the ramp and assist with boarding if required, or step back if the passenger prefers to manage their own boarding
- Confirm the chair is properly clamped before departure
- Confirm the seatbelt is on before departure
- Assist with disembarkation at the destination
If there are preferences about how much physical assistance the driver provides, note them in the booking. Some passengers manage their own boarding independently and do not want an arm offered every time. Others appreciate hands-on assistance. Both are accommodated.
How to book correctly
When booking at book.fare1.co.uk, select the Accessible vehicle category. This routes the booking to the VW Caddy, not to a standard vehicle.
In the booking notes, include:
- Wheelchair type. Manual, powered, or transit. If powered, approximate weight if known.
- Whether a carer is travelling. So the driver knows to expect two passengers.
- Any specific boarding preferences. If the passenger prefers minimal physical assistance or has a particular routine for boarding and disembarking, note it.
- Destination-specific access needs. If the drop-off involves a kerb, a narrow entrance, or a location where the ramp deployment space may be limited, mention it. The driver can check access in advance.
Airport and cruise terminal bookings
Accessible transfers to Southampton Airport, Southampton Cruise Terminals, Heathrow, Gatwick, and other major airports and ports work the same way as standard bookings — with the same fixed fares and flight tracking — but with the accessible vehicle dispatched.
At airports, meet and greet means the driver meets the passenger in the arrivals hall, not at the kerb outside. For wheelchair users, this is particularly valuable: the driver comes to you rather than you navigating to the pick-up zone.
At cruise terminals, embarkation for wheelchair users is generally handled via a dedicated boarding lane. Our drivers know the terminal procedures and can advise on the most efficient route through the embarkation process.
What we cannot accommodate
The accessible vehicle is designed for wheelchair users who remain in their chair. It is not configured as a medical transport vehicle with lying-down capacity. If the journey requires a stretcher or paramedic attendance, this is not the right booking type.
For passengers who do not need to remain in their wheelchair — who can transfer to a standard seat for the journey with the folded chair in the boot — a standard vehicle with sufficient boot space (such as an Estate or MPV) may be appropriate. If in doubt, contact us before booking and we will advise.
Fares
Accessible bookings use the same fixed-fare model as all Fare 1 bookings. The fare quoted when you enter the journey details is the fare you pay. There is no supplement for the accessible vehicle category.
Book your accessible transfer at book.fare1.co.uk.