Council cuts community transport service fares

The service is for people unable to use public transport

A door-to-door community transport service has had its ticket prices cut by up to 50%.

The Dial a Ride service in Redditch, Worcestershire, is for residents who cannot use public transport and will now cost £2.50 instead of £5.

Concessionary medical journeys have also been cut from £6 to £3.50 - with non-concessionary fares cut from £7 to £4.50.

Redditch Borough Council said it voted to lower the fees to "encourage more people to benefit from the service".

The new prices come into force on Thursday 1 August.

The minibus service is used by people to travel to shops, clubs and medical appointments.

Councillor Monica Stringfellow said: “Dial a Ride performs a vital service to Redditch by connecting people with their communities and we are proud to keep that service more accessible than ever.

"During this cost of living crisis when times are hard, we are helping where we can.

"I hope that with this new backing from the council, more people than ever who could benefit from the service will pick up the phone and find out more.”

The local authority added the change was designed to "reduce financial barriers to getting around the borough".

Leader of the council Joe Baker added community services that improved people's lives in Redditch had been too often "overlooked and undervalued".

"We are putting that right," he said.

"We said many times that increasing charges for Dial a Ride was only hurting those most vulnerable in society, I am so pleased that we have put this forward and made this service more affordable for those who need it most.”