News
18th Mar 2010
Lincolnshire’s rural transport solutions have received a double dose of national praise this week. Dan Norris, the Rural Affairs and Environment Minister, has been in the county on a fact-finding mission, part of which included a look at the local authority’s public transport services. Accompanied by Cllr William Webb, Executive Member for Highways, and members of the county council’s accessibility and policy team, Mr Norris heard about CallConnect and InterConnect. Mr Norris, who was joined by Haydn Beeken, GOEM’s Area Director, was then transported to his next appointment by one of the on-demand buses which operates in 25 areas across Lincolnshire. Dan Norris, Minister for Rural Affairs, said: “This excellent service provides a vital link for everyone in the community to get to work, shops or health facilities in the area. It was a pleasure for me to take a ride myself to the next destination on my visit. “Good public transport is an issue that is often raised by rural communities across the country. This example shows what local authorities can do to provide that service, helping those most at need to feel more connected and making it easier for everyone in the community to go about their daily lives.” Cllr William Webb, Lincolnshire County Council’s Executive Member for Highways and Transport, added: “We were really pleased to welcome Dan Norris to our county. He seemed impressed with the way we have addressed concerns over rural isolation and the fact that we are also catering for an ageing population in Lincolnshire with such a flexible system. The county is equally proud to have been highlighted in the Commission for Rural Communities Rural Advocate report 2010, a great testimony to the fantastic work being done to meet the needs of our rural communities across such a vast county.” Dan Norris will now take his findings back to central Government which will support the Rural Advocate statement on good rural transport practice in Lincolnshire. CallConnect is a 7am to 7pm, on-demand service which can be booked over the telephone with between seven days and two hours’ notice, subject to availability. The service will pick up and set down at local designated locations in villages or towns in the operating area. Passengers with a disability or those living in more isolated areas can be picked up and dropped off at their home. Between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of passengers use the CallConnect service to commute to work. Last Autumn saw the county council launch its 25th CallConnect route, serving passengers in Stamford and North East Northamptonshire in a unique cross-county partnership.
