Submitted on
Friday 5 February 2010
by
Catherine Tobin
Would you like a Community Minibus in Southwater?
Community Minibus Schemes operate across the Country and are a way for local residents to provide transport for people unable to use regular bus services for whatever reason.
In West Sussex, the Community Minibus Association, a registered charity operates a fleet of 12, Minibuses, which provides this service. The scheme in Storrington, won the Best Community Service prize in the West Sussex County Times, 2009 Community Awards.
They would like to expand the current areas they cover to include Southwater; and with the support of the Parish Council, are looking to talk with volunteers who maybe interested in establishing and operating a bus in the village.
The beauty of a Community Minibus; is that they are not restricted to traditional bus routes, or times, and the destinations can be flexible to suit the needs of local users, who book advertised trips in advance.
Crewed by a Driver and Escort the Minibus offers a door to door service, with shopping trips, to both local towns and villages, along with large Supermarkets including the Holmbush Centre near Shoreham being the most popular offered.
In the summer months a programme of excursions can be arranged which are decided by the local area organisers in conjunction with passengers. Visits to attractions, Garden Centres, Pub lunches and Mystery tours were all offered last year.
In Southwater the bus could possibly serve Lintot Square, along with Horsham, to include the Supermarkets and other towns.
Initially fares would start from £1.00 per person. The bus could also be used by local community groups subject to certain conditions. Presently none of the buses are wheel chair accessible.
If you would like to volunteer to become a Minibus Driver, training and support will be provided. For the scheme to start we would also need Escorts and others to help to take bookings and someone to act as an Area Organiser.
If you would like to become involved please contact Andrew Laker on 01403 734201 or to find out more about our current services please visit www.westsussexminibus.org