Little Red Bus Services

We are an independent voluntary organisation tackling isolation faced by people living in rural and urban areas. If you have difficulties using public transport you can use any of the services for trips such as shopping visiting friends or appointments.
The vehicles are all specially adapted with low entrance steps and lifts which make them easily accessible. All drivers are fully trained in customer care and disability awareness.

Demand Response Service

This is a flexible service that responds to the needs of passengers: There are still many individuals who have difficulty in accessing work and social activities due to lack of appropriate transport services. Such inability to travel freely has been identified as a major cause of exclusion. One of the initiatives that have been recognised as offering a viable and appropriate alternative to the regular bus route is the Demand Response service. The buses are affordable, accessible and comfortable.

Appeal for volunteer drivers

Little Red Bus are always in need of new volunteers to drive the minibuses. We also provide all necessary training. Volunteers must be between 26 and 70 years old. Passenger assistants, fundraisers and other volunteers can be of any age. If you feel you can help or contribute in any way, please contact your local office.

Lower Nidderdale

A fully accessible minibus, with a capacity for 13 people is available and specifically for residents in the Lower Nidd area. The primary villages covered are:

The bus can also be booked for all sorts of personal trips such as visiting family and friends, shopping or perhaps to get to a local leisure facility - the choice is yours. This bus is ideal for people unable to use other means of transport. It is best to give at least one week’s notice prior to these journeys. It is good to remember that the bus is already committed to regular journeys throughout the week so do please call ahead to make sure that we can take you where you want at the time that you would like.

Minibus Brokerage

Little Red Bus - is firmly committed to assisting local groups with the operation of vehicles. We offer maintenance and safety inspection services, advice on purchasing and ongoing support. Community Transport means to help everyone's safety on the road. Each brokerage agreement is tailored to meet the group.s individual needs. Organisations without their own vehicle have easier access to transport when they need it. Transport becomes more widely available in the community whether it.s trips for individuals or hire of the whole vehicle group. The cost for infrequent users of hiring-in a vehicle makes economic sense when compared to the cost of owning one. Owner groups can hand over to the brokerage the responsibilities for the driver assessment, insurance, permits, safety inspection, maintenance and scheduling. This also enables access to the vehicle at an affordable price and provides the owner with an income. Often this income is used by the owner group to build up a vehicle replacement fund. Little Red Bus retains this information and informs interested parties. Community resources
are then being utilised more efficiently. An important reason for developing brokerage agreements is the opportunity that it brings to introduce professional standards to vehicle management.

Group Trips

Little Red Bus can be used by registered groups for social and leisure activities, etc...
For a booking form or more information on this service please call –
Harrogate: 01423 526655 or Ripon: 01765 603631

Training

Drivers working for Little Red Bus have all successfully met the requirements of ‘Community Transport Association’ MIDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme). It is also the organisation’s policy for drivers to obtain the Institute of Advanced Motorists - Advanced Minibus driver certificate. Little Red Bus have full time and part time DATs (Midas Driver Assessor Trainers) and provide driver and passenger assistance training to many other voluntary and statutory agencies. Training is also available for First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire & Evacuation Procedures and Risk Assessment. Income generated from this is invested back into the training scheme.

Integrated Transport

Little Red Bus is playing a major role in the integration and co-ordination of community and public transport in this area. The
organisation aims to develop and extend the transport services offered to the users and providers in the Harrogate and North
Yorkshire areas, particularly in rural areas; and also to provide transport solutions that promote sustainable transport and remove barriers to services presented by non car ownership. Other benefits in terms of pollution reduction, congestion reduction and parking problems will also result. Objectives for the organisation include: 1. To further integrate its activities with other voluntary and commercial providers to meet the requirements of Local Transport Plans, Modernisation, Supporting
People, Better Government for Older People and other appropriate policies and Transport Strategies including the Local Community Strategy. 2. To expand the scope of the service that it provides by continuing to develop the co-ordination of other interested parties in Harrogate District and North Yorkshire. Support Services for Health, Housing, Education and Social Services Non- Emergency Patient Transport 3. To develop the Car Share / Lift Share Scheme with Harrogate Borough Council and the Action for the Environment Group.

Concessionary Fares Scheme

A half price travel scheme on registered local bus journeys throughout North Yorkshire: Harrogate Borough Council in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, City of York and other District Councils introduced the statutory minimum concessionary fares scheme. All men and women over the age of 60 and disabled people living in the Harrogate Borough Council area are eligible for a half fare concession on all registered local buses. This scheme also includes journeys to and from places in districts adjacent to North Yorkshire where a through fare can be purchased and the journey starts or finishes within North Yorkshire. What proof do you need? – Proof that you live at the stated address e.g a recent council tax or utility bill – Proof of your age (e.g birth certificate, pension book or pink card) What does the pass offer? Half the normal adult single and return fare. The pass can be used at any time except between 6am and 9am Monday to Friday, excluding public and bank holidays). Also before 9am on certain routes. Travel Tokens Travel tokens are available as an alternative to the bus pass for some residents in the district. If you would like an application form or have any queries please telephone: 01423-556989 To obtain a bus pass, you can attend: The Concessionary Fares and Parking Shop, Level 10, Victoria Multi Storey Car Park, East Parade, Harrogate. Or telephone: 01423-556989 (Switchboard 01423-500600) Or visit: www.harrogate.gov.uk/transport/concessionaryfares

For further information, please contact us on the following:

Boroughbridge Community Care, The Old Health Centre, Church Lane, Boroughbridge,YO51 9BA, 01423 324504

Harrogate District Community Transport, 46 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5LT 01423 526655

Ripon Council for Voluntary Services, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LF 01765 603631