MEMBERS of Redditch Borough Council have voted to halve journey fees for the town’s Dial A Ride service, writes Jospeh Hyde.
The councils door-to-door community transport will now cost £2.50, compared to the previous cost of £5.
Concessionary medical journeys will be £3.50, down from £6, and non-concessionary medical journeys will go from £7 to £6.
These new policies started on Thursday (August 1).
Redditch Borough Council’s portfolio holder for community services, Coun Monica Stringfellow, said: “Dial a Ride performs a vital service to Redditch by connecting people with their communities and we are proud to keep that service more accessible than ever. During this cost-of-living crisis when times are hard, we are helping where we can.
“People all over Redditch use Dial a Ride to get to the shops, clubs, medical appointments and more, and many of our customers tell us how much it means to them.
“I hope with this new backing from the council, more people than ever who could benefit from the service will pick up the phone and find out more.”
The change is designed to reduce financial barriers to getting around the borough and encourage more people to benefit from the service.
Redditch Borough Council leader, Coun Joe Baker, added: “Too often recently the community services that improve so many people’s lives in Redditch have been overlooked and undervalued. We are putting that right.
“We said many times that increasing charges for Dial a Ride was only hurting those most vulnerable in society, I am so pleased we have put this forward and made this service more affordable for those who need it most.”
Dial A Ride’s friendly team can take registered customers anywhere in Redditch in a fleet of modern wheelchair-accessible minibuses, which feature low rise steps for easy access.
Visit redditchbc.gov.uk/DialARide for more information.
