Six new drivers – including Jack Rivers from Ruddington (pictured) – are revving up to take more elderly or disabled passengers out and about in Rushcliffe. Rushcliffe Voluntary Transport Scheme (RVTS) has been providing community transport for over 30 years, using voluntary drivers who love helping people get out and about.
Carolyn Perry, Chief Executive of Rushcliffe CVS which runs the scheme, explains: “We’re looking for new customers who need to go out for health appointments, or are keen to go shopping or attend social activities. All our customers benefit from chatting to drivers and other passengers, helping prevent loneliness, foster independence and maintain dignity. The service also helps ease the pressure on health and social care services.”
RVTS means that passengers who find it difficult to use public transport or taxis, or who don’t drive or have access to a car, can still make safe, affordable and reliable journeys. Passengers joining the scheme pay an annual registration fee, a booking fee and then 45p per mile. Destinations are booked by phone, with all vehicles driven by DBS-checked drivers. The service runs on weekdays during office hours.
RVTS was awarded the Community Transport Quality Mark in 2015 – a sign of a top quality service that operates within the law and follows best practice. Their customers are full of praise, with one commenting recently that: “Your volunteers are wonderful and so helpful – carrying shopping and helping me get up steps. They also chat which is nice when you live on your own.”
Rushcliffe CVS is also developing a new service, “Friends of Community Transport,” to help recruit new volunteers, develop new income-generating initiatives and help with marketing RVTS. To find out more, contact Rushcliffe CVS on 0115 969 9060.