The Community Bus is finally here!

The new bus, a 12 passenger seat, disabled access Renault costing some £32,000 was delivered to Launceston Community Transport Partnership on Thursday 16th April 2009.

It has been funded by the then Cornwall County Council who have also provided £10,000 revenue support to ’kick start’ the project.  Further finance has come through the Local Area Agreement, and a bid has been made to the Lottery.  

Cornwall Council, together with Volunteer Cornwall (Cornwall Centre for Volunteers) has provided both technical and operational advice and support.  

From Wednesday 6th May (after the May Bank Holiday weekend) the bus will operate a ‘demand responsive’ service in the 21 parishes around Launceston, (as designated by the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative). 

Initially 3 different areas will be covered on the same day each week. but – depending on demand and enough volunteers – it will expand to a 5-day operation.  Passengers can be dropped off in the town, at the health centre, hospital, library or leisure centre.

There is to be a flat rate introductory return fare of £3.00 (single - to meet ongoing bus for example - £2.00) Bus passes will be accepted.

Day trips will also be offered. Visits to festivals and carnivals may be added. Cost will depend on destination. Bus passes cannot be used on this service.The bus will also be available for hire by affiliated community groups.

The number to book a seat ring number above between 12.30 and 2.30 up to 7 days in advance.

The "Little Red Bus" has been a long time coming but proves what can be done when a group of determined individuals put their mind to it.  We know that the bus will be invaluable to the residents of isolated villages and to groups in the area.

But its ultimate success will depend on patronage and a pool of volunteers to operate the service.  It will only leave the garage if seats are booked and will only go where it’s asked to go. The service will only be expanded as more drivers come forward. An ordinary licence covering D1 vehicles is sufficient and free training will be given. We look forward to more offers of help once the bus is on the road and people see that it really is here at last.

Lavinia Archer                                                                   Chairman Launceston Community Transport Partnership