THE MAYOR of Earley Town Council joined members of the Earley Community Bus group to launch a new vehicle that will make transport more comfortable for borough groups with restricted mobility.
The Earley Community Bus has been running a unique service for more than 30 years, providing low cost transport to residents of Earley, Greater Wokingham, Bracknell and Reading.
It runs for the benefit of the local community; mainly for older people, and for those who are disabled or infirm.
It offers cheap door-to-door travel to any UK destination of the hirer’s choice such as for local shopping trips, theatre outings, places of interest, and the seaside.
Run entirely by volunteers, the group operates on a not-for-profit basis.
It receives some funding from Earley Town Council and Wokingham Borough Council.
“Any money we make goes straight into our bus fund, to prepare for the next replacement vehicle,” said David Pelling, vice chairman of the Earley Community Bus.
The last bus served the group for 17 years, and it was high time to buy another.
The group’s new diesel fuelled vehicle has better driving technology, offers greater travel comfort, including air conditioning, and meets the Euro 6 emissions standard, making it ULEZ compliant.
It can accommodate passengers’ mobility equipment, and has a wheelchair tail lift and removable seats to safely strap in a chair.
A front bin next to the driver can also take three foldable wheelchairs, walkers or walking aids.
The 14 seater vehicle also has the advantage that it can be driven on an ordinary car driving licence.
“It feels much more like a car than the previous bus, with its small steering wheel and light handling, and it’s much shorter, which makes it easier to park,” said David.
The new bus was officially launched at Earley Crescent Community Resource Centre on Wednesday.
Earley Town Council Mayor Cllr Alistair Neal cut the ribbon.
“This is a fantastic upgrade to the Earley Community Bus, and I’m very pleased to have been able to help launch it,” Cllr Neal said.
“It will benefit lots of people in the area and beyond.”
Volunteer drivers will typically be taking groups on special days out.
This new vehicle’s first trip will see volunteer George driving it – and a U3A group – to Mottisfont National Trust property near Romsey.
David said: “We enable people to make trips they might not otherwise have been able to afford.
“One care home told us that if it wasn’t for this service, they just wouldn’t be able to get their residents out and about.”
The group is currently keen for more volunteer drivers to join the team.
Anyone who enjoys driving and meeting people, with some time to offer (possibly someone who is retired or in part time work) is invited to apply.
“A few more drivers would help spread the load,” said David.
“It’s the perfect volunteering opportunity for someone who can’t give a regular time slot.
“There’s no set commitment required; people just say which trip they’re available to drive.”
The group is also looking for volunteers to take calls and schedule trips and drivers.
Drivers David, John and Andrew said: “We enjoy variety, the interesting people we meet, and visiting places we wouldn’t necessarily go to otherwise.”
Earley Community Minibus is located at the Earley Crescent Resource Centre.
For information, to book a trip, or to enquire about volunteering, call: 0118 975 7320, or email: earleybus@hotmail.co.uk.
