AN EXPANSION in community transport will enable people to travel more easily between towns and villages.
Community transport (CT) operators in the East Riding will increase their service to give residents better access to healthcare, shopping and other activities.
The East Riding’s four CT operators provided more than 4,000 passenger journeys to health facilities in 2011/12 (financial year 1 April 2011 – 31 March 2012), and this is projected to increase to nearly 7,500 in 2012/13.
The four operators in the East Riding are: Goole GoFar, North Holderness Community Transport (HART), Beverley Community Lift and Nafferton Community Minibus.
Skipsea resident Chris Walker said: “We are all extremely grateful that HART have responded to our suggestion and are adding this service.
“The residents of Skipsea, Beeford and Bewholme will be able to access the doctors and dentists in Hornsea without having to rely on lifts from neighbours. It will also be good to be able to support the local shops in Hornsea.”
Councillor Jane Evison, who is Chair of the Holderness Area Rural Transport and the council’s portfolio holder for economic development, tourism and rural issues, said: “Community transport serves a real need, particularly in the more isolated rural areas, and it is good news that services are growing in the East Riding.
“It is clear that a lot can be achieved by working together and with the sterling efforts of our volunteers.
“I also urge people looking to further develop community transport to contact the council’s rural team who are able to offer their expertise and support.”
To volunteer visit www.ervas.org.uk or telephone 01482 871077.