New transport scheme is launched for rural dwellers

The new Dial-A-Lift services are similar to the Door-to-Door services that are available in urban areas and are designed to allow individuals who have limited access to transport to get to local services and facilities.

Dial a Lift can be used for a variety of purposes including, shopping, local health services, training and employment, socializing and other personal business.

The fully accessible and wheelchair friendly transport provided under Dial-A-Lift is delivered by Down Armagh Rural Transport (DART) Partnership and is available to registered scheme members only.

DART is holding an information event tomorrow (Friday), 10am-12noon, at Lurgan Town Hall where DART staff will be on hand to answer questions on the new service and register individuals for Dial-A-Lift.

So if you live in a rural area and are currently unable to, or find it difficult to, use public transport, come along and register for Dial-A-Lift and if you are a concessionary fare holder please bring along your Smart Pass for verification.

Please contact the DART office for further details on 3831 7810 or email [email protected]

Ian Wilson, Partnership Director, said: "I believe the new Dial-A-Lift service will make a real difference to the lives of rural dwellers - particularly for those mainly elderly and disabled people who are entitled to a SmartPass.

"It will provide access to local services for people who are unable to access conventional forms of transport such as public transport, taxis or make use of a private car. A lifeline for our local community."

Dial–a–Lift is being formally launched in the Craigavon Council area as part of Northern Ireland Community Transport week (August 16-20).

Funding for this service is provided by the Department of Regional Devolopement NI under the Rural Transport Fund for Northern Ireland.

Funding for the concessionary element of this service is provided by the Departement of Rural Devolopement NI under the Assisted Rural travel scheme.