£10,000 for Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers

Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace was in Mid Argyll to meet Transport Volunteers running a car scheme in rural areas to help elderly and disabled people unable to use local bus services. They have received almost £10,000 from the Executive over the past couple of years to help fund the project.

Driver and escort

The scheme works by those wishing to travel contacting a volunteer co-ordinator who finds an appropriate driver, and escort if necessary, from a list of trained volunteers. Transport may be provided for shopping, medical appointments and social outings.

In 2000-2001 the scheme provided a service to 660 vulnerable, elderly or disabled people in the Mid Argyll area.

Jim Wallace said:

"Scottish Ministers are strongly committed to improving transport services for everyone, especially our elderly and disabled people. "This project like this show the real benefits that can be delivered when local initiatives like this are backed up with some help from the Executive. I am particularly impressed by the Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers and the commitment shown by all those involved in this project.

"The Rural Community Transport Initiative

Is helping to fund rural community transport projects that are of particular help in the more remote areas where there is no public transport or public transport is very limited. This is vital in ensuring that the elderly and disabled can continue to lead a full a life as possible in Scotland’s rural communities."

Since 1998, 108 projects have received help. These include community mini-buses, dial-a-bus, dial-a-ride and voluntary car schemes.

Benefit to older and disabled people

Many of these services are of particular benefit to older and disabled people who may be unable to use normal public transport or because there is no suitable public transport available, by providing easily accessible, affordable transport for shopping, medical appointments and social outings.

New Vehicles

The initiative has provided help to cover the running costs of services, buy new fully accessible vehicles that can carry wheelchair users, pay staff, drivers’ wages and volunteers expenses. Five projects in Argyll and Bute have received assistance including Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers.