Council to continue funding taxicard and dial-a-ride
February 24, 2005 10:06 PM
Cambridge Council will continue to support the city's popular Dial-a-Ride and Taxicard services. Jenny Bailey, Lib Dem Executive Councillor for Transport, thought the schemes provide a vital service to those less mobile: "We spend a lot of money on these services and we are determined to maintain - and hopefully improve - the essential service they offer to anyone whose age or disability prevents them from using public transport."
Councillor Bailey has announced a thoroughgoing consultation with users in the city. "We want to make sure that we are getting the best possible service for the money we spend. Our review will last for three months - I want all the feedback local people can give me. Can the Taxicard service be improved? Can the Dial-a-Ride be extended? I want to hear from anyone in Cambridge who has a view about these services."
She added that speculation that the city council was considering cutting funding to either scheme was unfounded: "[These claims are] totally incorrect. I can guarantee that whatever the outcome of the consultation, no one will be left out, or left standing. The Taxicard and Dial-a-Ride services are vital to so many people - my only concern is to make sure we are getting the best possible quality of service."
Cambridge Dial-a-Ride is a registered charity providing a weekday door-to-door minibus service for those with mobility difficulties. It currently operates six vehicles, all of which take wheelchairs. Membership is £5 per year, and a return journey within the city costs £4.
The taxicard voucher system gives disabled and elderly residents discounts on taxi fares in the city. Those eligible receive 100 vouchers per year, each of which contributes £2.20 towards the cost of a journey.
To find out if you are eligible for taxicard vouchers, or for more information, contact Mark Hill at the Environment & Planning Department: mark.hill@cambridge.gov.uk ; 01223 457318
More information on Dial-a-Ride: 01223 506335 ; Unit F4A, Eastern Court, 182-190 Newmarket Road, CB5 8HE
You can also put your views on the two schemes to Councillor Bailey: jennyb@jsquared.co.uk ; 01223 457 237 ; 31 Izzak Walton Way, Cambridge CB4 1TY
Related Links
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats