Community Transport: A Lifeline for North Herts

In the heart of North Hertfordshire and Stevenage lies a crucial service that bridges the gap for residents facing transport challenges. The North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport service, managed by the dedicated team at North Herts & Stevenage CVS, is more than just a way to get from A to B; it's a lifeline for individuals who find it difficult to access conventional public transport. This invaluable service relies on the kindness and generosity of a dedicated team of volunteer drivers who, in their own time and using their own vehicles, provide essential journeys for their local community.

Understanding the Need for Community Transport

Many individuals in our communities, whether due to age, frailty, disability, or other mobility issues, struggle with the complexities of public transportation. Bus routes might be infrequent, inaccessible, or simply not available for the specific destinations required. This is where the Community Transport service steps in, offering a personalised and accessible solution. The service caters to a wide range of needs, ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to essential travel.

Who Benefits from the Service?

The primary beneficiaries of this service are individuals who face difficulties using standard passenger transport. This includes:

• Elderly residents who may find navigating public transport challenging or tiring.
• Individuals with disabilities or specific mobility needs that are not met by mainstream services.
• People with temporary mobility issues, perhaps recovering from surgery or illness.
• Anyone who lacks alternative transport options for essential appointments or activities.

Types of Journeys Undertaken

The versatility of the Community Transport service means it supports a diverse array of essential journeys. These often include:

• Hospital visits for treatments, routine appointments, and outpatient services. This is a significant area of support, ensuring patients can attend vital medical care without the stress of finding suitable transport.
• Other healthcare appointments, such as visits to GPs, dentists, physiotherapists, and other medical practitioners.
• Attendance at day centres and weekly clubs, promoting social inclusion and well-being for participants.
• Some social visits, allowing individuals to maintain connections with friends and family, which is crucial for mental health and combating isolation.

How the Service Works: The Volunteer Driver Model

The backbone of the North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport service is its team of volunteer drivers. These individuals generously offer their time and their vehicles to help others. To acknowledge their commitment and to cover the costs they incur, volunteer drivers are reimbursed for their mileage. Currently, this mileage rate is set at 45p per mile, a figure designed to compensate for fuel, vehicle wear and tear, and other associated expenses.

Understanding the Costs and Fees

For users of the service, the cost structure is designed to be straightforward and sustainable. All trips are calculated based on the distance travelled, starting from the volunteer driver's home address, at the rate of 45p per mile. To ensure the service remains viable and accessible, there is a minimum charge of £5, which covers the first 11 miles of any journey.

The Supporter's Fee: Investing in Sustainability

To ensure the continued high standards and sustainability of this vital community resource, a small annual Supporter's fee is payable for regular users. This fee is £20.00 per individual or £34.00 for a couple, typically due soon after registration. As North Herts & Stevenage CVS is a registered charity, this payment plays a crucial role in covering the core running costs of the service, enabling them to achieve more and maintain their essential operations. This fee helps with administrative costs, coordination, insurance, and other operational necessities that keep the wheels turning.

It's important to note that if a client only requires a one-off journey, the Supporter's fee does not apply. However, should they wish to use the car service for subsequent trips, the fee will be required before further bookings can be made. The organisation is very understanding of potential financial concerns and encourages anyone worried about paying the Supporter's fee to contact them directly. They are happy to discuss the service and the fee in detail, ensuring transparency and support for all users.

Ways to Pay the Supporter's Fee

For those who need to pay the Supporter's fee, there are three convenient methods:

1. Card Payment: Simply call a member of the team on 01462 689402.
2. Bank Transfer: Details can be provided by the office.
3. Cheque: Payments can be made via cheque, payable to North Herts & Stevenage CVS.

Booking Your Journey

To make a booking and ensure you can secure your preferred travel time, it is ideally recommended to book at least one week in advance. While the team strives to accommodate all requests, availability is dependent on the schedules of their volunteer drivers. Therefore, it's always best to plan ahead.

The service operates with the understanding that all transport is subject to volunteer driver availability, and they reserve the right to decline any journey request if a suitable driver cannot be found or if the request falls outside the service's operational scope.

Contacting the Service

For booking or to enquire further about the Community Transport service, you can reach out through the following channels:

• Phone: 01462 689402
• Email: The email address is protected from spambots, requiring JavaScript to be enabled to view it. (Please refer to their official website or contact details for the correct email address if needed).

Operational Hours

The phone line for bookings and enquiries is open Monday to Friday, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, excluding Public Holidays. The office itself operates during standard business hours, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. This ensures that there are ample opportunities for people to get in touch and arrange their transport needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who can use the Community Transport service?
A1: The service is available to residents of North Hertfordshire and Stevenage who have difficulty using other forms of passenger transport due to age, disability, mobility problems, or lack of alternative transport.

Q2: How is the mileage cost calculated?
A2: Trips are charged at 45p per mile from the driver's home address, with a minimum charge of £5 covering the first 11 miles.

Q3: Is there a fee to join the service?
A3: A £20 annual Supporter's fee applies for regular users to contribute to running costs. This fee is waived for one-off journeys but required for subsequent bookings. Financial concerns can be discussed with the service.

Q4: How far in advance should I book?
A4: Bookings should ideally be made at least one week in advance to help ensure availability.

Q5: What types of journeys does the service cover?
A5: The service covers essential journeys such as hospital and healthcare appointments, visits to day centres, clubs, and some social visits.

Supporting a Vital Service

The North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport service is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together. By utilising dedicated volunteers and a well-managed operational framework, they provide an indispensable service that enhances the quality of life for many. Whether you are a potential user, a volunteer driver, or someone looking to support a valuable local initiative, understanding how this service operates is key to appreciating its profound impact on the community. The commitment of volunteers and the accessibility of transport are fundamental to ensuring that all residents can remain connected and access the services they need.