Below is the latest information about the ESRTP's current projects:
This minibus service is demand responsive which means it follows no route or timetable. Instead passengers book a journey through a travel centre and the minibus meets them at an arranged location and time; this can be door to door if required.
There are three main areas served by Buses 4U
Mole Valley (selected areas only)
Reigate & Banstead
Tandridge
Full details of the Areas of Service are on the Buses4U website.
The East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership acknowledges with gratitude a £1000 grant from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust in May 2008 towards the Easilok Project.
This project comprises the purchase of the Easilok 3 seat and wheelchair restraint system manufactured by Unwin Safety Systems.
An Easilok has now been installed on a Buses 4U minibus operating in the Reigate area.
Each Easilok comprises a seat that can be folded up to form a wheelchair backrest and restraint system as shown in the picture.
Gatwick Airport Community Trust
This service aims to bring information about transport opportunities in east Surrey to more people. Apart from this web site is a printed copy of the East Surrey Community Transport Directory and a telephone line to give advice to people requiring transport to hospital (01883 732 791). Additionally, a newsletter is produced, a link to which is found at the bottom of this section.
This is a moped hire scheme for young people aged 16 or over who cannot get to an education establishment or training centre because of a lack of public and/or private transport.
The Wheels 2 Learn scheme loans mopeds for one academic year. The scheme provides a helmet, protective jacket, reflective vest, gloves and full safety training. The rider pays a loan fee of £10 per week plus a deposit of £8 per week, making the total cost per week £18. This is payable by a monthly standing order for £78. The deposit is returned at the end of the loan period provided the moped is returned in good condition and no insurance claims have been made.
Further information and a printable application form can be found in the Transport for Young People section or on the Surrey Student Transport Partnership website.
This scheme offers books of taxi vouchers to eligible individuals with a mobility difficulty to help with the cost of their journey. The vouchers are available in Tandridge District and some parts of Mole Valley District.
These training schemes are coordinated by the Community Transport Association and are nationally recognised qualifications. MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) is designed to enhance the driving and passenger awareness skills of those who drive minibuses.
The aim of PATS (Passenger Assistant Trainer Scheme) is to improve safety standards for people who need assistance, care and supervision on the move and for the people who provide this assistance. This could be on a minibus, a coach or a car or taxi.
This training can be provided by the ESRTP, please see the section Recruitment & Training for more information.
For further information on any of the projects please contact the ESRTP.
To view the ESRTP's latest newsletters please click the links:
ESRTP Newsletter Vol.13 - Autumn 2008
ESRTP Newsletter Vol.12 - Summer 2008
If you would like to add news from your Community Transport Group to the newsletter or on this web site please contact us.
ESRTP has worked closely with colleagues at Tandridge District Council to produce a new Travel Plan leaflet. The leaflet heightens awareness of the TDC Travel Plan and supports it by giving information on "Greener Ways to Work at Tandridge".
In addition to public bus and train services to Oxted, the greener travel options include ESRTP projects such as Buses 4U journeys between Caterham and Oxted and a Moped Loan Scheme for staff.
A PDF of the leaflet may be downloaded here:
Comments from passengers on Buses4U have included:
"This is just what this area needed"
"Hallelujah for Buses4U"
"This service has given me independence to travel when I want and not rely on family or friends"
"Buses4U is wonderful and everyone is so helpful"
