More free transport in Pembrokeshire

A Pembrokeshire-based community transport service has received over £300,000 funding to extend free travel to disabled and elderly people in the County.

The Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport (PACTO) has been awarded £306,820 to fund an initiative which will extend concessionary transport to people who are currently eligible for, but unable to use, their bus pass.

Since 2002 the elderly and disabled in Pembrokeshire have been entitled to free travel on local bus services throughout Wales. There are approximately 17,500 concessionary travel pass holders in the County.

The new project includes:

• a trial ‘Town Rider ‘service for people who are unable to access bus services in the five main towns of Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and Fishguard and Goodwick

• extending the availability of accessible Country Car services countywide

• continuing the service to help people who have difficulty getting bus pass photographs.

Working in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, the funding will provide for two new accessible people carriers, running costs, and a part time bookings co-ordinator in the Demand Management Centre based in County Hall, Haverfordwest.

The plan is to establish pilot ‘Town Rider’ services in two towns to test the concept, and take delivery of the new Accessible People Carriers by March, 2006.

PACTO’s successful bid was made to the Assembly’s Community Transport Concessionary Fares Initiative.

There will be an opportunity at the forthcoming Community Transport Forum to present and discuss the project. The Forum comprises local organisations such as the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) and the Local Health Board.