Bolton isn’t the easiest place to roll around in a wheelchair. The pavements on Derby Street are cracked half the time, the hills up to Queens Park are brutal, and buses don’t always turn up when they’re supposed to. That’s why so many of us who use chairs just ring for a proper wheelchair taxi Bolton instead. It’s not fancy, it’s just common sense. The driver pulls up, drops the ramp, straps the chair in four places, and off you go – no faff, no drama, no having to fold the chair or hop into a normal seat. It’s the one way to get about town and feel like a normal person again.
The Difference a Proper Wheelchair Cab Makes
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve booked a “normal” taxi and the driver’s face drops when he sees the chair. Then it’s the usual palaver – “Can you walk a couple of steps, love?” No mate, that’s why I’ve got the wheels. A proper wheelchair taxi in Bolton turns up in a Peugeot Boxer or a Transit with the floor dropped and proper Q’Straints. The driver knows what he’s doing, helps you on backwards so you’re facing the right way, and you’re sorted in two minutes. No embarrassment, no damage to your chair, and you’re not left freezing on the pavement while he rings the office to see what to do.
Local Lads Who Actually Care
Hastings on Orlando Street have been doing wheelchair jobs forever. Ring them and it’s always the same Bolton accent on the phone – none of this call-centre nonsense. They’ve got about six proper wheelchair vehicles now and the drivers all know the area like the back of their hand. A Star in Farnworth is another decent shout – small family firm, always clean motors and they’ll wait if you’re running late at the hospital. Then there’s Borough Taxis on St Helens Road; they’ve got a couple of big long-wheelbase vans that swallow electric chairs no bother. These aren’t massive companies, just local lads trying to earn a living and they treat you right.
Hospital Runs Without the Stress
Royal Bolton Hospital appointments are the one everyone dreads. Parking is a nightmare and the drop-off zone is always full of people who shouldn’t be there. A wheelchair taxi in Bolton will take you right to the door you need – Outpatients, Breast Screening, whatever – and the driver will wait if you want. My mate gets picked up from Great Lever, dropped at ENT, waits two hours and it still only costs him thirty-odd quid return.
Airport Trips That Actually Work
Manchester Airport at half four in the morning with a wheelchair and cases is enough to make you cancel the holiday. Book a proper wheelchair taxi Bolton the night before and it’s a different story. Driver turns up on time, loads the cases, gets you in, and you’re at Terminal 2 with an hour to spare. Coming home they track the flight and meet you at arrivals with the ramp ready. No hanging about in the cold waiting for three separate Ubers that never turn up together.
Nights Out and Family Do’s
Want to go for a curry on Bradshawgate or a pint at the Balmoral? Normal taxis are hit and miss on a Saturday night. Wheelchair taxis in Bolton will still come out, even when it’s kicking-out time. Same with weddings – I went to my niece’s do at Last Drop Village and the driver dropped me right at the door, waited till midnight and ran me home to Darcy Lever. Everyone else was stressing about who was driving – I just sat in the back watching the rugby on my phone. Makes you feel part of things instead of a problem that needs solving.
How Much Does It Actually Cost?
People think wheelchair taxis are dear – they’re really not. Local run like town centre to Farnworth is usually twenty-five to thirty quid. Hospital return with waiting is forty to fifty. Airport from most of Bolton is eighty to a hundred quid depending on the time and terminal. Split that between two or three of you and it’s cheaper than getting the train and paying someone to push you about at the other end. And there’s no extra charge for the chair – that’s the law. If anyone tries to add “wheelchair supplement” tell them where to go.
Booking It Without the Hassle
Most places just want a phone call. Tell them what chair you’ve got – if it’s a big powerchair or a scooter they’ll send the right van. Say if you need to go backwards or forwards (some of us can only go one way).
When Things Go Wrong
The decent ones don’t want cowboys working for them. Bolton Council are hot on it too – they can fine drivers who don’t help properly. Never just put up with it.
Just Get Yourself Out There
End of the day, sitting in the house because getting about is too much grief isn’t living. A decent wheelchair taxi Bolton costs a few quid and gives you your life back. Ring one of the local firms tomorrow – you’ll wonder why you left it so long.
