A new community transport pilot scheme serving the rural Vale had its official launch at Dyffryn Gardens yesterday (Friday 4 June).
The new Greenlinks community transport minibus has been set up to offer a local transport solution to those who live in isolated areas, have limited or no access to a car, individuals with impairment or illness that prevents them from using existing transport as well as those facing social exclusion as a result of financial or other reasons.
The service, which can carry up to thirteen passengers, including wheelchair clients if required, will be available to residents of the rural Vale and Dinas Powys later this month on a ring and request basis. The scheme will also be made available to local not-for-profit community groups who wish to hire the bus for local travel.
Graham Cartwright, community transport officer, said:
“Following demand from residents in the area, the council’s transportation department looked into providing an affordable transport solution to compliment the current public transport network.
“The vehicle will be driven by a small group of volunteer drivers who will be known as the ‘Greenlinks Team’ and will be trained to a nationally-recognised standard to ensure that the experience of travelling with Greenlinks is an enjoyable one.”
The project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, administered by Creative Rural Communities (CRC), the council’s rural regeneration initiative.
Cllr Jeff James, cabinet member for planning and transportation, gave thanks to the teams involved in getting the project off the ground, saying: “This project is a result of the council’s commitment to bringing a new dimension to transport and enhance the lives of those living in the rural Vale of Glamorgan. I’d like to express my thanks to the team for dedicating their time and commitment to this project.
“The bus will hopefully provide a valuable service for those who have previously experienced difficulty in travelling from and around the rural Vale area.”
Membership will be required to use the service but only costs £5. Applying is easy – residents can call the dedicated Greenlinks free phone number to request an application form. Each journey will carry the small charge of £2 per person and residents are asked to try and book in advance so journeys can be scheduled.
Upon launch, the bus will be scheduled for travel during weekdays but it’s hoped that if more volunteers can be found then the scheme could be expanded to include weekends and out of hours.
If you’d like to volunteer for the project or to request an application form for membership please contact the Greenlinks free phone number on 0800 2941113 between 9am – 1pm weekdays.
