Community transport

Community Transport is the provision of non-profit making transport services for people who do not have access to suitable public transport services.

The following forms of community transport are available in Solihull:

Community Transport - Solihull

Community Transport - Solihull operates a borough wide transport service using minibuses with wheel chair lifts and easily accessible steps. Transport is available by arrangement, 7 days a week. The service operates out of Regen-point in Smith's wood and from the Moat Lane depot and is available to all voluntary, Charity and non-for profit organisations across the borough either with a paid driver or with their own volunteer driver (subject to meeting minimum driving standards). CT Solihull also provides MiDAS training (Minibus Driver Awareness Training Scheme) and PAT's (Passenger Assistance Training) and various volunteering opportunities and work experience.

Registering

All user groups must first register and become affiliated, this process is simple and starts by contacting CT Solihull either by telephone-mail or in writing. (Details below).

To Book

Once registered the service can be booked, subject to availability by telephoning between 9am and 4pm Monday - Friday.

Charges

All charges are calculated on a vehicle use, mileage and a with or without driver basis and is agreed at time of booking.

Types of groups served

All types of user groups are catered for: - Day-care centres, schools, scouts, playgroups, social, healthcare, sports, neighbourhood, elderly, young, special needs.

Further information

• telephone 0121 779 5547
• e-mail solihull@communitytransport.org
• Community Transport Solihull, Fordbridge Club for Young People, Chapelhouse Road, Fordbridge, Birmingham B37 5HA
• Community Transport website www.communitytransport.org
• Download Community Transport Solihull Leaflet attached below

Ring 'n' Ride

Ring and Ride (East Birmingham/Solihull) provides door to door transport using mini-buses with wheelchair lifts and easily accessible steps.

Taxi Bus

The 'Taxibus' service was introduced into the rural area to the east of Solihull in January 1999 and provides a door-to-door demand responsive local bus service within an operating area which includes:

• Meriden
• Hampton-in-Arden
• Balsall Common
• Knowle
• Bickenhill
• Chadwick End

The service can also be used to travel to and from that operating area to the nearby centres of Solihull, the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham Airport, Birmingham International Rail Station, Shirley and Coventry from where links to other parts of the West Midlands by bus or rail can be made.

How much does it cost?

Registration to use the service is free and the fares charged on the service are calculated on a mileage basis and advised to the passenger when a booking is made. All West Midlands concessionary passes, Centrocards and Busmaster tickets are accepted in full or part payment for the fare.

Vehicles

The vehicles used on the service can each accommodate wheelchairs provided they are no longer than 47" and up to 27" wide. Due to the popularity of the service, larger vehicles with shopping pens and more space for wheelchair users were introduced.

How to register for service

The telephone number to ring in order to register or make a booking is:

• 0121 783 6869 (the Booking Office is open between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday)

To cancel a booking:

• 0121 784 6644 (this facility is available between 8am and 11pm daily)

When does the service run?

Monday to Saturday - 8am to 7.30pm

Sunday - 9am to 4pm

Shopmobility

Shopmobility provides manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters to help people with limited mobility to shop and use the town centre facilities. It can be used by young or old no matter whether their disability is temporary or permanent. Shopmobility is available both to residents and visitors alike. First time visitors need to register and training in the use of the vehicle will be provided.

Taxi/Private Hire

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis:

• TOA Birmingham - Tel: 0121 427 8888
• Elmdon Taxis - Tel: 0121 704 9999
• Solihull Radio Cars - Tel: 0121 604 4000
• Your Taxi - Tel: 0121 566 9000

Note: Solihull Radio Cars have buses rather than cars and can carry more than one wheelchair at a time. Elmdon Taxis only have Mini buses.

Contact Details

Solihull Community Transport - 0121 779 5547

Ring 'n' Ride - 0121 784 6644

Taxibus - 0121 783 6569

Shopmobility - 0121 711 8701 Mell Square, Drury Lane and 0121 711 4231 - Touchwood base.