Councils told how
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
NICIPAL bus operators can 3 themselves in many ways the future, a management sultant told the Association District Councils transport ference at Llandudno.
im Powell, of Coopers and rand, suggested that there is pe for operators to reduce ir unit costs, increase dend and revenue, develop new ducts, and plan realistically le watching what the opposi does. He also suggested t there may be scope for trators to contract out of le operations.
Vhile some delegates sugted that Mr Powell did not forward any dramatic new as, he concluded that after 70 rs of continuous discussions 'as unlikely that any new panwould be discovered now. the borough council, is based on similar schemes in the USA and continental counties, but offers a number of features which make it unique in Britain. As a major contribution to the International Year of the Disabled People, the Reading scheme is funded by the Central Government Urban Aid programme (75 per cent) and Reading Borough Council (25 per cent).
In bringing together a local bus undertaking and a voluntary organisation, the scheme has produced an excellent example of a partnership to benefit the disabled and elderly.
Readibus, which begins operations with a fleet of four specially adapted minibuses, is available for visiting friends, going shopping or to the theatre, or just for a run to the park.
Initially, potential customers will be asked to phone the control centre the day before they wish to travel. However, the vehicles are radio-fitted and as experience is gained in optimum routeing the booking period will be reduced considerably.
The service operates in the Greater Reading area within a radius of about four miles from the city centre.
Fares on the Readibus service which should carry about 100 passengers a day within a short period — are set at 35 pence single and 60p return for journeys over one mile and 20p and 10p for shorter journeys.
A full-time staff of seven, including four drivers, will be supplemented by helpers travelling with each vehicle to assist people in boarding and alighting and to operate the tail-lift for wheelchair riders. The buses, which will operate seven days a week from 8am until 11pm, are based on Mercedes-Benz 308 models which were specially modified to comply with Minibus regulations.
Each bus is capable of carrying 12 seated or three to four wheelchair passengers in addition to three to five seats.