Local groups team up to offer new dial-a-ride service
Older people across Hartlepool faced being left without transport when the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review caused Hartlepool Borough Council to withdraw its Dial-a-Ride service.
Happily, two community groups have joined forces to replace the Dial-a-Ride scheme, which has operated successfully in Hartlepool for the past 13 years.
Hartlepool's Manor West Centre will provide wheelchair-accessible buses and specially qualified under the name of Manor West Community Transport. East Durham Communicare will also provide vehicles to support the service.
At £4 per one-way journey, the new scheme costs slightly more than the council-run scheme it has replaced, but bosses are keen to stress that, as Manor West is a not-for-profit group, any money made from the scheme will be put straight back in to the local community.
The scheme will operate on a membership basis which requires those wishing to use the buses to fill out an application form.
Buses will run between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday.
For more information or to register as a member, contact Julie Marshall at the Manor West Centre on:
- Telephone: 01429 273123