New mini bus gives a big lift to rural disadvantaged - Gildernew

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today launched a new low-floor minibus for Rural Lift, the Rural Community Transport Partnership which services the South West Fermanagh area.

The new Bluebird Tucana vehicle, is designed with low floor kneeling air suspension and has ramp entry. As the latest addition to the partnership’s fleet of vehicles, all of which are designed with rear access and a passenger lift, it will facilitate the needs of the most disadvantaged, particularly older people and people with disabilities..

Speaking at the launch at Enniskillen Town Hall, the Minister said: “As a rural dweller myself, I am all too aware of the importance of transport for people who live in the countryside. The services provided by rural community transport partnerships are vital in helping to reduce social isolation and allowing rural dwellers to get to essential services. This new low-floor minibus will ensure that passengers using wheelchairs, those with walking difficulties or even mothers with children’s prams and buggies will have very easy access.”

The Minister continued: “I, and my colleague Conor Murphy, the Minister for Regional Development, who is responsible for transport and access issues, are very proud of the work of not only Rural Lift but of all the Rural Community Transport Partnerships throughout the north. The recent introduction of Dial a Lift and the Assisted Rural Travel Scheme shows both our Departments commitment to improving transport and access issues for rural dwellers. Through the ongoing anti poverty and social exclusion work and through the Rural Development Programme, DARD will continue to ensure the lives of rural dwellers are enhanced.”

The Minister went on to praise the Rural Lift organisation for their forward thinking and willingness to provide what is right for customers. She said: “Your latest initiative in purchasing a new low floor minibus once again sees you putting your customers first and leading the way for others to follow.”

Anita Flanagan, Manager, Rural Lift spoke of the Partnership’s pride in meeting the needs of its members, said: “ We pride ourselves in providing innovative and accessible transport opportunities for everyone in South West Fermanagh and are delighted to be able to introduce the first low floor minibus in Northern Ireland to our members.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Rural Transport Fund (RTF) was established in Northern Ireland in 1998 as the major transport initiative in promoting social inclusion in rural areas.
2. Rural Lift for South West Fermanagh was established by members of the local community in 2000 to provide accessible transport services for people in this deeply rural area who were unable to access services either through mobility problems or lack of public transport in the area.
3. Later this year Rural Lift shall celebrate 10 years of service and they are justifiably proud of their achievements to date. Rural Lift currently have 850 individual members and 75 group members all of whom benefit from a range of services such as Dial a Lift, ARTS and Group Transport. These schemes facilitate the process of reducing social exclusion for the most vulnerable people in their catchment area and ensure that everyone has equal access to services regardless of geography.
4. Rural Lift for South West Fermanagh is funded by DRD through the Rural Transport Fund. They provide an average of 3,600 passenger trips per month for various purposes, shopping, medical appointments, employment, training or even just social or recreational purposes.
5. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440, and your call will be returned.