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4 Aug 00NEW HI-TECH BUSES FOR POOLE
Photocall: Sainsbury’s, Pitwines, Poole - by the main entrance
12 noon, Tuesday 8th August 2000
Dial-a-Bus passengers travelling on a new hi-tech bus will be welcomed at Sainsbury’s by Store Manager, Mike Bocock & Director of Poole Council for Voluntary Service, Chris Beale.
A new style of hi-tech bus, the first of its kind in Dorset, is to be introduced in Poole for the Dial-a-Bus service.
Under the scheme, passengers who find it too difficult to use ordinary public transport are collected from their home by trained drivers and taken to Sainsbury’s in Poole or the Dolphin Shopping Centre and later taken back home again.
Dial-a-Bus is a partnership between the Borough of Poole, Sainsbury’s - Poole who sponsor the scheme and Poole Council for Voluntary Service who run the booking service.
Mike Bocock, Sainsbury’s - Poole Store Manager, said: "We’re pleased to support the Dial-a-Bus service because for some people, it’s the only way they can get out and do their shopping or other business whilst retaining their independence. It is an ideal way for Sainsbury’s to support the local community."
Chris Beale, Director, Poole Council for Voluntary Service, said: "Currently, about 60-70 passengers from around the whole of the borough use Dial-a-Bus each week and it’s very well received."
The four new hi-tech buses will be part of Poole’s fleet principally used for the transport of people to and from Day Care Centres in the town. They have a lowering rear suspension that drops to within 30cm of the ground. This allows people with walking disabilities to board more easily and there is a folding ramp for wheelchair access at the back.
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4 August 2000
NEW HI-TECH BUSES FOR POOLE
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Each bus holds up to 14 seated passengers and four of the seats fold to accommodate four wheelchair users and 10 seated passengers. A specially designed storage area at the front of the bus holds zimmer frames or other equipment that passengers might bring.
Councillor Jane James, said: "This is a great step forward for people with mobility issues. The new buses are much simpler and easier for people to board and there is room for their helpers to travel with them too".
Councillor Graham Wilson, said: "We asked bus drivers and users for their views and following a demonstration at the Fourways Day Centre, there was an overwhelming ‘yes’ vote for this particular type of vehicle. It can be converted quickly and easily while its low suspension makes it user friendly and safe."
Graeme Lewin, Head of Poole Contract Services, said: "The Council’s overall aim is to get more and better use from our transport and this is one of the first steps. The new buses will provide us with the flexibility to carry passengers with differing needs from taking people to and from Poole’s Day Care Centres to the Dial-a-Bus service and possibly, in the future, transporting children to and from school."
Notes to Editor:
The Dial-a-Bus service, runs from Monday to Saturday between late morning and early afternoon. Passengers pay a one off £1 fee to join the scheme and each return trip costs between £1.10 and £2.20 depending on where they live - a helper can also travel with them for the same fare.
Anyone wishing to join the Dial-a-Bus scheme, should complete a form and get a health or care professional to verify that the passenger is unable to use conventional buses because of mobility problems. For more information, a form or to book a place on the Dial-A-Bus, call the Dial-a-Bus Office from Mondays to Fridays between 10am and 12 noon on tel. 01202 667187.
For more information please contact:
Borough of Poole :
Graeme Lewin, Head of Poole Contract Services 01202 262201 - New buses
John McVey, Passenger Transport Manager 01202 262010 - Dial-a-Bus service
Poole Council for Voluntary Service:
Chris Beale, Director 01202 682046 - Dial-a-Bus bookings
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Catherine Corbin, PRO (01202) 633293
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