Rural Wheels

Rural Wheels is a unique community transport scheme that helps to address the issue of a lack of good public transport provision in some rural areas of Cumbria.  It provides door-to-door transport for people, when required and at reasonable cost of 35p/mile.  The aim is to make better use of the various forms of transport that are available and help to tackle social exclusion.

The service can be used for a variety of purposes including: 

• Making connections with buses or trains 
• Doctor, Dentist or Optician appointments     
• Visiting friends or family in hospital
• Shopping
• Visiting friends 

Rural Wheels uses a 'Smartcard' to pay for travel and a central booking system to plan journeys.  Passengers need to apply for the Smartcard before they are able to use the scheme.  The 'value' of the Smartcard can be topped up with the transport provider or alternatively at local post offices, libraries, mobile libraries, etc.  Travel under the scheme needs to be booked before noon the day before travelling by telephone so as to allow the most cost-effective use of the transport resources available.  Users may be asked to share transport, which is offered at a reduced price.

To apply, please use the following links to download an application form which should be returned by post or alternatively contact the Rural Wheels Co-ordinator to apply over the telephone.

Title	Date	Size
Rural Wheels
Rural Wheels Application Form	17/11/2011	791k
Rural Wheels Allerdale	17/11/2011	1154k
Rural Wheels Barrow	17/11/2011	1443k
Rural Wheels Carlisle	17/11/2011	1564k
Rural Wheels Copeland	17/11/2011	829k
Rural Wheels Eden	17/11/2011	1700k
Rural Wheels South Lakes	17/11/2011	454k
Rural Wheels West Cumbria	17/11/2011	2184k

Transport Providers Opportunities

Are you a Private Hire or Hackney Carriage License holder?  If you would like to provide transport to local residents in your available time, please contact the Rural Wheels Co-ordinator using the details below.