The Ludlow Traveller ring-and-ride scheme to start

Ludlow is set to get its first ring-and-ride service, thanks to a Government sustainable transport grant awarded to Shropshire Council. 

Organisers of the planned Ludlow Traveller service now want to publicise and seek support for the scheme, which is due to be launched at the Ludlow Green Festival on Sunday 25 August 2013. 

The service will use a 14-seater minibus and a wheelchair-accessible people carrier to take people in need of assistance from their door to their destination to help them go shopping, meet friends, make medical appointments and go on trips as part of a group. 

A steering group has been set up, made up of Shropshire Council officers, councillors and interested Ludlow groups, to plan, launch and then oversee the project. 

Operators plan to charge users a £12 annual membership fee and then, for adults, £1 for every single trip or £2 for a return.  Children would pay 50p for a single and £1 for a return. 

Group membership will cost £30 a year, with mileage of £1.25 per mile. 

Steering group chairman, Councillor Rosanna Taylor-Smith, said: 

“For some reason, historically, Ludlow has not had a ring-and-ride scheme and so this is great news for the town. 

“An existing Shropshire community transport scheme will deal with the day-to-day running of the service, including signing new members and bookings.  The telephone number will be issued soon, and be printed on the side of the two vehicles. 

“Drivers from hiring groups or individual volunteers, or paid drivers linked to a contracted service, will collect the vehicle, provide the door-to-door trips and return the vehicle to the designated parking space. 

“The call centre will help plan routes and schedules based on requests and availability of drivers.” 

Claire Wild, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, added: 

“We are developing the new community transport scheme in Ludlow to help improve access for anyone who cannot travel in and around the town, and make the most of an existing public transport service. 

“If you are an individual group or business and would be interested in using the service or becoming a volunteer driver we would be delighted to hear from you.” 

Anyone interested can email transport@shropshire.gov.uk or ring 01743 253008.