Coronavirus: Vaccination transport offer hits 500 journeys to appointments
The council’s free transport programme to take ‘vulnerable’ residents with no access to transport to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments has now passed its 500th vaccination journey.
The service launched using the council’s own fleet of vehicles, but since then a volunteer fleet of bus and taxi operators have helped out free of charge to ferry people to their appointments.
The service is now starting to take many of its initial users back for their second jab, and is expected to continue operating into mid-summer 2021.
Shrewsbury Cars are helping (driver Baz pictured)
James Willocks, Shropshire Council’s passenger transport manager, said:
“This has been another great example of how the community has come together to help those most in need get to their vaccination appointment, if they have no other way of getting there.
“Thanks to the support of local bus and taxi operators, we’ve helped hundreds of people – often among the most vulnerable in the county – who would otherwise have struggled to get to their vaccination locations.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in helping us protect Shropshire residents.”
All vehicles have appropriate ventilation, with strict infection control measures in place, to ensure they are operated with the highest levels of public health safeguards.
Booking your transport for a vaccination appointment
To receive this service, you must have been eligible to book for a vaccination in Shropshire, and be unable to get there any other way. Subject to availability, Shropshire Council will be able to provide transport to help you get to your appointment and back.
The free transport offer can be booked by contacting the council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 and select option 0.
