Dial-A-Community Bus News 2011

Press Release 07th April 2011

Dial-a-Community Bus expand into Ellon

Aberdeenshire based Social Enterprise Dial-a-Community Bus (DACB), recently feted as the Best Rural Community Transport Operator in Britain, have expanded into the Ellon Area. From Friday 8th April DACB’s associated Social Enterprise DAB Plus will be running an accessible Private Hire taxi service in Ellon every Monday and Friday between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

General Manager Mrs Rachel Milne said today; “We have been aware of a potential transport issue in the Ellon area for a little while and with the closure of Ellon and District Transport Club in March this year these requests have recently become more urgent.”

The organisation successfully applied to the Fairer Scotland Fund for some funding to allow the Social Enterprise’s accessible private hire vehicle to work in Ellon 2 days per week to run a pilot feasibility project.

Rachel explained; “We just don’t know the real scale of the problem yet, it’s all anecdotal so far. And since we don’t know the type of transport or even the size of vehicle needed we decided to go with a small pilot to assess the demand fully”.

The specially customised MPV can carry 4 seated passengers and one wheelchair. It is large enough to carry the majority of manual or electric wheelchairs, and can even carry a small scooter due to the suspension ramp system the vehicle employs.

Individuals can be assured of travelling in complete safety and comfort.

All DACB/DAB Plus drivers undergo full disclosures (PVG scheme) and are trained to a high standard in driving and passenger assisting, allowing them to work with a wide range of clients who all have their own individual needs.

All clients will be picked up from their door and escorted to the vehicle by the driver. Once they have reached their desired location, the driver will once again safely escort them from the vehicle to the door.

As per any private hire taxi service there will be a small fare charged but Taxi cards are welcome.

Rachel is delighted at the support from the Fairer Scotland Fund; “Although DAB Plus had some spare resources; the driver and the vehicle, the charity didn’t have any spare funding to actually make the project happen. So we’re very grateful to Fairer Scotland for recognising that there is a problem and helping us to work with the community to see how to solve it”.

DACB is eager to hear from anyone who needs accessible transport in the area as well as anyone interested in volunteering a little time to help the service move forward. The organisation can be contacted via their office on 01771 619191.