An exciting new rural transport service will be arriving in the Eden countryside this month.
Rural Wheels is an innovative transport scheme run by Cumbria County Council and part funded by Eden District Council to help people in rural areas get around when normal bus and trains services are not available.
The service, which has been running successfully in rural South Lakeland since November 2002 and in rural Carlisle since 2004, starts operating in Eden from 23 April 2007. Its aim is to help people living in some of the county's most rural areas to access services and reach established transport links like bus and train networks nearby.
The scheme involves the use of a smartcard system to pay the 30p a mile charge. The cards, which can be topped-up at Cumbria County Council's libraries and at local post offices, will also help the council to keep track of demand in order to better meet people's needs.
The Rural Wheels service will be available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Trips need to be arranged by phoning a special journey planning service. Anyone wanting to use Rural Wheels will need to apply for the smart card, which is used instead of handing over money to the transport providers. Application forms are available from Parish Councils, Women's Institutes, doctors surgeries or by calling Rural Wheels on 01228 606721.
County Councillor Ian Stewart, Cabinet spokesman for Environment, Transport and Planning, said: "I am delighted that we will be extending this service into Eden. This area is very rural and the council is committed to ensuring that our residents are able to access essential services. This service can also be used to get you to your nearest bus or train service. Lack of transport should not be a barrier to people using these services; it's easier than you think."
The County Council has worked closely with Eden District Council to bring Rural Wheels to the area and is pleased to receive financial and other support. Ruth Atkinson, Eden District Council's Director of Policy and Performance said: "Eden is the most sparsely populated district in England and services such as Rural Wheels are essential to help people access vital services and I am sure our local communities here will draw great benefit from it."
Comments from existing Rural Wheels users in Carlisle and South Lakeland include:
- "Rural Wheel is an excellent service for people who live in rural areas - especially those who live miles from any public transport."
- "I find the operators friendly and efficient."
- "The service helps me go shopping, to go the doctors and to reach other health services - it's an inspired idea."
- "The taxi drivers are all pleasant and all help me with my wheelchair - before Rural Wheels I was housebound."
- "We used the scheme after my stroke when I was unable to drive - we were very appreciative of the service and wish to remain part of it."
Notes
The attached leaflet explaining the new scheme is being sent to residents in Eden. The key aims of the Rural Wheels scheme is to meet the needs of local people, reduce isolation and dependence on car ownership and tackle social exclusion.
It works because:
- by using existing transport providers, we ensure they have an income during normally quiet periods of the day, ensuring the sustainability of their business;
- by using existing outlets to top up Smartcards, we are helping to support other vital rural amenities such as libraries, Post Offices and local shops;
- information provided by users gives accurate details of the transport need in rural areas;
- the service enables people to shop locally and therefore benefits the local economy;
- it provides low-cost transport to people in isolated rural areas;
- the service is good for the environment as it only operates when required.
Eden District Council has 38 elected members and is the most sparsely populated district in England and Wales. The District area covers 830 square miles and has scenic landscapes, historic market towns, excellent tourist facilities and vibrant communities. The Council's strategic aim is: To Best Serve the People of Eden. For further information concerning Eden District Council please contact Barry Cooper tel: (01768) 212137/077159 90460.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Justin Hawkins, Media Officer on 01228 606334
Follow this link to view the leaflet explaining the new scheme