Author: robertmgibson

To review the membership and objectives of this project group, please visit our Current Projects – Community Transport Group page.

An initial meeting has been held with Arriva to explore ways of improving local bus services. This was then followed by a meeting of the Project Group to review the situation and decide next steps.

1. The initial Arriva meeting was very disappointing. Arriva is not prepared to invest in the current Route 41 to High Wycombe. It does not consider that there is the demand, even though Great Missenden is a significant transport hub into London.
2. The subsequent meeting agreed to explore the following.
   a. Community Bus – Age Concern mini-bus possibly available for a 3-month pilot scheme using GMPRG volunteer drivers.
   b. Dial-a-ride – could their vehicles be utilized because Dial-a-ride vehicles used for daytime appointments only.
   c. Car share schemes
   d. Local existing transport providers eg. taxi firms, Red Eagle buses, PACT etc.
3. Several members of the Group have looked at Community Bus schemes in the past. Nearly all are daytime schemes whereas our focus is Commuters/Schools at peak times.
4. A meeting was arranged with the local Dial-a-Ride, who were very willing to help if possible but concluded that they are unable to do so.
5. A further meeting was held with Community Impact Bucks. They are able to provide advice on Community Bus Schemes based on the experience of existing schemes in Bucks, but again mainly daytime.
6. Steve Burns, formerly of Carousel Coaches and still close to local public transport kindly advised on the scenarios to consider.  The costs, legislation, insurance, the need for paid drivers and a coordinator were highlighted as being very challenging.  Also, the Age Concern Minibus is not compliant.

WHAT NEXT?

A meeting of the Group is planned for November to consider next steps.  It is evident that the financial and human resources needed to implement significant change will require very significant investment of money and people.  Therefore, the meeting will focus on how this can be achieved.

John Cadman
Group Leader