New Manager of Ashbourne Community Transport Jane BirchASHBOURNE Community Transport is set to get a share of a £1.491 million grant from the county council.
Each of the county’s seven community transport schemes will get funding from Derbyshire County Council this year to help with day-to-day running costs.
Ashbourne Community Transport offers a dial-a-bus service as well as providing transport to a host of essential services, including hospital appointments and pensioners’ groups.
Manager of Ashbourne Community Transport, Jane Birch said: “Without the council funding life would be very difficult and we are very grateful to them for their on-going support.”
Councillor Simon Spencer is Derbyshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for highways and transport. He 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.
“We’re pleased to be able to support these initiatives again this year. They’re a lifeline for many people – particularly in rural areas.”
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.
