A special door-to-door transport service for Carlisle residents who cannot get around the city on public transport is being launched with a free trial for the whole of August.
Cumbria County Council's City Wheels project will provide a new dial-a-ride service for people whose mobility problems mean they cannot use conventional bus services.
Anyone who signs up to the scheme will be able to ring in advance to arrange transport in an accessible vehicle to anywhere within the city limits for a flat rate fee of £2.50 each way. Carers will travel free of charge.
The service will be run free for the whole of August this year.
City Wheels has been developed by Cumbria County Council with support from Carlisle City Council. Funding has come from the Department for Transport.
County councillor Tim Heslop, cabinet spokesman for transport and infrastructure, said:
"This excellent scheme will help people with some of the most difficult mobility problems to travel in the city - it shows the county council's commitment to finding innovative ways of helping people get around.
"We hope the month-long free trial will encourage as many eligible users as possible to sign up for City Wheels."
Carlisle City Councillor, Ray Bloxham, portfolio holder for environment, infrastructure and transport, said:
"It’s great to be working in partnership with the County Council on a scheme which will provide a valuable service to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. We urge residents to sign up as quickly as they can."
The scheme is open to anyone who cannot use conventional public transport and is in receipt of higher rate mobility disability living allowance.
Anyone interested in using the City Wheels service can contact Carlisle City Council for an application form by calling in at the Civic Centre, by contacting the Customer Services team on 01228-817200 quoting City Wheels or by e-mailing customerservices@carlisle.gov.uk