Dial-A-Ride's new vehicles proving a big hit with service users (From Redditch Advertiser)

Dial-A-Ride's new vehicles proving a big hit with service users

7:30am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

REDDITCH residents are singing the praises of a local community bus service, thanks to its new fleet of vehicles.

Redditch Dial-A-Ride is a door-to-door transport service for residents who cannot use public transport due to difficulty with walking. The service is run by Redditch Council.

The modern, wheelchair accessible minibuses have a range of passenger-friendly features, including low-rise steps for easy access, fold-out handrails to enable passengers to steady themselves in and out of the vehicle, and clearly marked, accessible side entrances.

The buses also have a tail lift for those passengers in a wheelchair or with significantly reduced mobility. The tail lift is located inside the vehicle, which protects it from extreme weather and dirt off the roads and makes it low maintenance and less likely to break down.

All of these features have been singled out for praise by customers using the service. Two of the new vehicles are already in use, with a further two due for delivery in December.

Councillor Greg Chance, the council’s portfolio holder for transport, said: “Redditch Dial-A-Ride is a very important community service as it enables residents with poor mobility to get out and about and remain independent.

“It’s great that we have received such positive feedback from our Dial-A-Ride customers. This is a clear indication that our new buses are proving popular and that the service is working well for the people that are using it.”

Residents with walking difficulties can use Redditch Dial-A-Ride for any journey within the Redditch borough boundary. People must be registered with Redditch Dial-A-Ride to book a journey. To register, call 01527 64910 between 10.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday. People will need to complete a short registration form over the telephone.