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Cut back Dial-a-Ride service to continue
THE DIAL-A-Ride service being brought in to replace the one abandoned after local district councils withdrew their financial contribution, will be but a shadow of its former self, except in its charges - which are going up!
Whereas the previous service was open to anyone, regardless of age or any disability, the new service will only be completely open to people aged 80 and over.
Those aged over 60 and unable to access public transport and anyone with a disability which prevents them using public transport, will also be able to use the service, effectively preventing younger people from using the service at all.
A spokesman for Lincolnshire County Council said people with a limiting disability that prevents them from being able to board a bus and those people who need door to door transport, will still be able to access the service, otherwise you must be over 60 to access the service, and then only if there is no other public transport in your area.
Lincolnshire County Council has pledged more than 250,000 to keep the service going in Lincolnshire. Following a review, East Lindsey, West Lindsey and North Kesteven District Councils have also pledged to financially support a Dial-a-Ride service in their areas for the next three years.
A further restriction is that passengers will only be able to travel within their own district's area, although users from West Lindsey will be able to travel to Lincoln for any reason and to Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals.
Prices will rise as well, with a new minimum fare of 1.60 up to two miles and a charge of 65p a mile on additional miles (up from 40p). There will be no return journeys available. Membership will cost 20 for individual users.
The new arrangements take effect from August 1.
There's a dedicated telephone number of 0845 263 8153 for users with questions about how the new service will work. Staff will also be able to advise on other transport available in areas for those ineligible to use Dial-a-Ride.
Councillor William Webb said: "We appreciate this service offers a life-line to the elderly and disabled, and helps them to continue living independently.
"The increasing costs of providing this type of specialist transport mean there will be fewer vehicles in the county. However, the changes to the service will not affect the majority of current users - 90% of journeys are local, and the revised criteria will ensure the service is still available to the vulnerable people who rely on Dial-a-Ride."
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Weather for Market Rasen
Saturday 26 May 2012
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