Politicians and public transport operators are urging people to get on board a tailored bus service now running in the Sunderland Coalfields area, which takes in Hetton-Le-Hole.
Politicians and public transport operators are urging people to get on board a tailored bus service now running in the Sunderland Coalfields area, which takes in Hetton-Le-Hole.
The Nexus backed U Call "Demand Responsive Service" has made getting around by public transport easier than ever since its launch earlier this month.
But Nexus says there is still room on board and is urging people on the route of the service to use it.
Nexus’ Development Director Bernard Garner, who oversees the U Call service, said: "People have really taken to the U Call idea all over Tyne and Wear, and we’re sure the residents of Hetton-Le-Hole and the Coalfields area will too.
"But, at the moment, fewer people seem to be aware of the service operating in their area than we would like."
"The service is being used, but there are still seats on board so what we’re saying to people is "give it a try", we’re sure you’ll like it."
U call allows registered users to pre-book their journey and be collected and dropped off at a point most convenient to them.
But passengers - who need not be members of the scheme - can hail the U Call bus at any point on its route, not just at bus stops.
The service was being introduced into the Sunderland Coalfields area following a successful bid by Nexus under the Rural Bus Challenge (2003), which secured £792,000 in funding for the service over the coming three years.
The cash boost has provided two dedicated U Call minibuses, which are fully accessible for passengers with mobility problems and are able to accommodate wheelchair users by enabling them to remain in their wheelchair whilst on-board.
Beginning at 7.00 am and running through to 11.00 pm, the service covers West and East Rainton, Low Moorsley, Hetton-le-Hole, Easington Lane and South Hetton.
U Call also takes passengers to Doxford International Business Park and Seaham Lighthouse on request.
During the day (prior to 6.00 pm) one of the two buses operates an hourly service on a fixed route, while the other "floats", allowing its route to be determined by its users.
During the evenings and on Sundays, both buses provide a fully flexible service, again determined by its users.
Date 23 November 2004
For more information contact Iris Boyd telephone (0191) 211 5071
Communications Unit, Strategic Support, Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 2BN
Tel: 0191 232 8520 (including out of hours)
Fax: 0191 261 6191
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