Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride appeals for new members (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride appeals for new members

7:40am Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News

AN APPEAL for new members has been made by Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride for people who need help to travel around the district.

The door-to-door transport service helps anyone with a disability and those who do not have public transport available to them.

The service can take people to doctors, dentists, hospital appointments, day centres, social activities, visiting friends and shopping.

Co-ordinator Rob Hartell said: “Sadly, our membership has fallen but we want to keep our drivers busy.

“The weather has had a big impact as well as the financial situation. We can carry anybody who has a problem with public transport such as people with impaired vision, those who are blind or people in wheelchairs.

“Our volunteer drivers are very good. They can help people on and off the minibus and can carry shopping to the front door if needed.”

Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride began in 1986 and transports any eligible Wyre Forest residents around the district.

Mr Hartell added: “Dial-A-Ride gives people total independent living. They don’t have to rely on relatives to come and pick them up.

"You have to be a member to use the service and then you are covered by our permit and insurance.”

Membership costs £15 a year and people pay individual fares for each journey they take.

There is a three-tier fee system, for example a journey of up to 3.5 miles is £3.50 or £2.50 for people with a bus pass.

Mr Hartell added: “People can travel by ringing us up and booking a journey. It’s more than just a taxi service. We get to know the people we carry.”

Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride is also in need of donations to keep the charity moving.

To find out more information, to donate or apply to be a member call 01562 755084.