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Newbury Handybus and 'Chairman' vehicle |
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Newbury Handybus and 'Chairman' vehicle |
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Registering your organisation and opportunities |
What is a Handybus? Handybuses are provided by West Berkshire Council and are operated by a network of independent voluntary community transport operators. Volunteer Centre West Berkshire's two Handybuses are 10/11 seater minibuses modified to provide easy access, including low steps and passenger lifts to enable wheelchair bound passengers to be carried. They provide regular transport for elderly and disabled people on shopping trips and visits to clubs, mostly in and around Newbury and Thatcham, as well as one-off trips and excursions where regular commitments permit.
As well as the Handybuses, Volunteer Centre West Berkshire own and operate a 'Chairman' vehicle. This is a Mercedes Veto people carrier modified to provide accommodation for a wheelchair and easy access for disabled people. Am I eligible to use the Handybus? If you have limited mobility, can't manage the buses or don't have a bus service or a stop near you, but need to get to:
then you could be eligible. However, places are limited and always in demand, so we cannot necessarily guarantee you a seat. How much does it cost? In general, the cost per trip depends on the distance travelled. As an example, a local shopping trip may only cost about £2 - £3. How much notice do I need to give? We ask you to give at least 3 - 4 days notice prior to a journey. In the case of long-distance journeys we prefer at least a week's notice. In exceptional circumstances we may be able to find a driver at shorter notice, but we cannot guarantee this. And how do I use the service? Just find the operator nearest to you and give them a call. Basildon / Beenham / Bradfield / Pangbourne / Purley / Streatley / Theale Burghfield / Mortimer Chieveley / Compton / Downlands Hungerford Newbury Thatcham |
