Surrey Heath residents encouraged to dial-a-ride

People who find it difficult to access public transport are encouraged to use Surrey Heath Borough Council's community transport service. The dial-a-ride service, which is based at the Ian Goodchild Centre in Knoll Road, Camberley, currently operates six specially adapted minibuses and a small car conversion which provides a door to door service for users.

Community Transport Manager Paul Hayes said: "The service is door to door and can be used by anyone who is unable to access or use public transport. Passengers can travel anywhere in the Borough and it is especially useful for visiting relatives, friends, shops, centres and attending medical and other appointments."

He added: "The fare charges are kept as low as possible and are calculated on a zonal basis, prices are available on application but start from as little as £2.42 per return journey, so it is a much cheaper alternative to using a taxi."

To qualify for the cheaper rate fares passengers must have a concessionary travel permit, these are available from the Council's Contact Centre and are free of charge, although people will need proof of residency in the Borough to obtain one.

The first dial-a-ride bus took to the roads in Surrey Heath in 1987 and last year the service covered 82,000 miles which amounted to around 36,000 individual journeys. All the vehicles have been adapted so they are able to accommodate passengers with wheelchairs.

The service operates Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4pm.

For more information and a registration form or please call 01276 707657.

Trips on the bus can be booked between 1pm and 4pm Monday to Friday by calling 01276 707655. Trips need to be booked the day before travel, medical appointments can be booked in advance.

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Ref: News 416

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