RURAL WHEELS Cumbria County Council

Rural Wheels is a unique community transport scheme that helps to address the issue of a lack of good public transport provision in some rural areas of Cumbria.  It provides door-to-door transport for people, when required and at a reasonable cost of 35p/mile.  The aim is to make better use of the various forms of transport that are available and help to tackle social exclusion.

The service can be used for a variety of purposes including: 

• Making connections with buses or trains 
• Doctor, Dentist or Optician appointments     
• Visiting friends or family in hospital
• Shopping
• Visiting friends or family 

Rural Wheels uses a 'Smartcard' to pay for travel and a central booking system to plan journeys.  Passengers need to apply for the Smartcard before they are able to use the scheme.  The 'value' of the Smartcard can be topped up with the transport provider or alternatively at local post offices, libraries, mobile libraries, etc.  Travel under the scheme needs to be booked before noon the day before travelling by telephone so as to allow the most cost-effective use of the transport resources available.  Users may be asked to share transport, which is offered at a reduced price.

Further information can be obtained at: www.cumbria.gov.uk

or telephone No. 08456023786