Community wheels put in motion

ALL YOURS: Councillor Doreen Dickinson, of the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority, hands the minibus keys to Carl Schoolden, of Community Transport Oldham.

A MINIBUS donation will boost community transport services in Oldham for people who find it difficult to get out and about.

The bus has been handed to Community Transport Oldham along with a grant to help fund another vehicle for its fleet.

Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) has given the 14-seat, ex-Ring & Ride Mercedes Benz Sprinter a full service and refurbishment.

Community Transport Oldham will use it to help individuals, voluntary and community groups to access work, education, health, shops, social care and leisure pursuits.

The Oldham service also benefited from a £40,000 grant to their parent charity Community Transport Manchester to match-fund three ‘nearly-new’ minibuses, one for Oldham.

Carl Schoolden from Community Transport Oldham added: “This additional resource will really benefit the people of Oldham. Our Dial-a-Ride service is predominantly used by people who have mobility difficulties or who have difficulty using other forms of transport.

“We also provide a group travel service for voluntary and community organisations, which have the option of using their own driver if they meet certain conditions, or using one of our drivers.”

To arrange a journey through Community Transport Oldham contact 0845 077 3346.