Decision details

This report contains recommendations for the future delivery of the Dial a Ride Service.  The Council commissioned an independent review of the service carried out by JMP Consulting Agency.  This was due to the current climate of reducing budgets and spending reviews and the requirement to look at the sustainability and resilience of the service in future years.

RESOLVED that

1)                 subject to any budget setting considerations, the Council continue to deliver the Dial a Ride service;

2)                 expenditure of up to an amount of any capital funding agreed in due course by the Council be approved in accordance with Standing Order 41, for the purposed defined in the Dial a Ride – Review report; and

RECOMMENDED that

3)                 there be an increase in concessionary rate fees for use of the service from £1.05 to £1.50, subject to review in 12 month’s time from 2011;

4)                 capital investment for fleet replacement be included in the Capital Replacement Programme, and that a full business case be developed exploring the options for the continuing use of the existing fleet;

5)                 the possibility of closer working with Bromsgrove District Council, regarding the Bromsgrove Urban and Rural Transport (BURT) service, be assessed in respect of potential cost saving opportunities for both Councils; and

6)                 further opportunities for additional types of provision, which would include the hire of vehicles to community groups, registering fro contracts with Worcestershire County Council and having the option to have a mixed fleet of vehicles, be investigated.