Community Transport Set to Improve

12.00.00am GMT Fri 18th Nov 2005

Users of the city's community transport service are set to experience significant improvements in the way it operates, thanks to a decision by the Liberal Democrat cabinet to make the service more responsive to the needs of users.

Among changes agreed in a radical shake-up of the service, Community Transport users will no longer have to opt out of having a concessionary bus pass. Until now, people have had to make a choice between Community Transport or concessionary bus travel. Now they can have both.

From January, Community Transport users will be able to reserve specific journey slots for up to 13 weeks at a time. This is intended to enable users to attend a series of events or appointments. Furthermore, to reduce pressure on booking lines and increase the number of trips that can be booked, an additional phone line is being installed.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Graham Mabbutt, cabinet member for transport and highways, said: "We have carried out a detailed review of the service and we have listened to the views of users. The feedback we've received is being used to shape the service so that, over time, it will make travel in and around the city easier and more straightforward for all disabled people."

The redesigned service, expected to start in June next year, retains some of the existing operations, but also introduces new arrangements. The existing door-to-door 'fast chair' service will be expanded. In addition, a 'taxicard' scheme will be introduced - a brand new initiative offering reduced taxi fares. Disability awareness and other training will be provided for participating taxi drivers to help raise their awareness of the needs of those with disabilities.

The Council will also work more closely with voluntary sector transport providers to expand their services for groups of older and disabled people wishing to travel to the same place together.