The Gorran and District area is not particularly well served by conventional public transport, in terms of both routes provided and frequency of service. One of the main problems in maintaining any conventional bus service is that the wages of the driver are a significant part of the overall operating cost. Therefore, in less populated areas, it is difficult for commercial operators to provide an adequate level of service, and it is not always possible for a subsidised service to be provided by the County Council. This is a problem not only in Cornwall, but also for many rural areas across the country.

There were, therefore, a number of people in the area, particularly the elderly and frail, who found it difficult to reach existing bus stops, and were unable to use the conventional service that were provided.

The Concept

The Gorran and District Ring-and-Ride scheme provides a responsive 'Ring-n-Ride' mini bus service, run by local volunteers. The service operates a skeleton timetable, under a Section 22 permit, which can be varied to meet individual’s needs, but integrates with the public transport network. The scheme addresses the needs of the mobility impaired and specific community sectors such as the elderly and parents with children, assisting in addressing the social exclusion problem in this rural community.

Ring-and-ride at an affordable price: “Whether it be for business or pleasure, scheduled services or day excursions, groups are welcome to come and use our community bus. Enjoy the fun days, coffee mornings, and participate in the raffles to help fund our bus, and be part of a real community atmosphere”.

Funding

Following a successful Rural Bus Challenge bid in 1999 for £57,000, Gorran & District Community Bus Association introduced a ‘Ring-n-Ride’ service in 2000. The Challenge funding was used to buy the minibus, and is being used to provide revenue support for the scheme during its first three years of operation.

The service is a registered charity, and set up as a limited liability company. The drivers and people who take the bookings are volunteers. The operating costs are the vehicle cost (diesel, depreciation, servicing and insurance), and the cost of putting drivers through the MIDAS certification. In addition to the original Bus Challenge funding, income is gained from the fares and from activities that people choose to take part in, such as coffee mornings, raffles, organised trips and quizzes.

Issues and Solutions

In common with most services as this type, the G&D,RnR is struggling to attract sufficient volunteers to run the service. In order to ensure that the service is a success, it is imperative that the service is reliable and the operating times can be extended so far as reasonably possible. The G&D,RnR initiative has 12 drivers at present. However, this can drop to 3 drivers especially during the summer months due to other commitments such as their own bed and breakfast business.

The problem of not having sufficient volunteers extends not only to running existing services and putting increase pressures on the existing volunteers, but also it prevents the initiative from bidding for public service routes. Public service routes carry a heavy penalty if there is a breach of contract, i.e. the service is not provided, and it is this that prevents the community bus initiatives from extending their business.

In an attempt to address this issue, there are moves at a national level to change Section 22, which regulates the non-payment of the volunteers, and allow drivers to be paid in a form of enhanced reimbursement or general rate for the service that they are providing.

Progress to Date

The Association currently operates 4 different services and carries approximately 35 passengers per week, 20 of whom are mobility impaired. The services have achieved an average punctuality (bus arriving within 5 minutes of stated time) of 83%, which reflects the flexible nature of the service. A 98% rate of reliability (bus in service when stated) has been achieved.

Future Proposals

There are hopes of expanding the number of services operating, subject to resolving the “voluntary driver” issue.

For further information please contact pboorman@cornwall.gov.uk

Last revised - 22nd July 2003