Grants keep community transport on the move

Each of Derbyshire’s seven community transport schemes will get a share of a £1.491 million grant from the county council to help with day-to-day running costs.

And Rural Action Derbyshire is being given £50,000 for the Wheels to Work Scheme which helps people who would otherwise have difficulty getting to work or training.

Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Community transport and the voluntary car schemes do an excellent job in helping people who have difficulty using public transport keep their independence and get around to places like the shops or doctors’ surgeries.

He added: “Wheels to Work is a great scheme in helping people reach employment. We’re pleased to be able to support both these initiatives again this year. They’re a lifeline for many people – particularly in rural areas.”

Community transport schemes in Derbyshire provide a range of transport services including Dial-a-Bus, Group Travel for organisations such as lunch clubs, pensioners groups, Scouts and Guides and the Active Travel service geared specifically at transporting people to and from healthcare appointments. The voluntary car schemes help people getting to medical appointments or making other essential journeys. They use volunteers driving their own cars.

All community transport schemes in Derbyshire are charitable organisations and they use a mix of volunteer and paid drivers trained to meet the varying needs of their passengers.

They run around 120 vehicles ranging from small people carriers to 32 seat buses, all of which are suitable for use by wheelchair users.

Gold Card holders get discounted travel on community transport dial-a-bus services. There is a flat rate charge of £1 for a single ticket and £2 for a return for cardholders.

For more details about community transport services in Derbyshire visit www.derbyshirect.co.uk