Taxi Driver Online

January 27, 2008 Sunday

Free taxi service may be scrapped

Knutsford Guardian

A FREE taxi service that enables elderly people to do their shopping and get out of their homes could be scrapped.

Cheshire County Council is reviewing the Taxi Rider scheme before a three-year Government grant runs out in April.

It would have to be funded from the county council's coffers if it were to continue.

The service - run by Knutsford taxi firm Amber Cars - transports people living in villages around Knutsford as far afield as Northwich and Altrincham for up to £2.50.

Those who are old enough for a bus pass can travel for free.

Last week the Knutsford Guardian was inundated with calls from concerned Taxi Rider users.

"When the driver told us they were coming up to their three-year period and it might be stopping I was devastated," said Pat Cullen, 69.

"The bus has been an absolute lifeline. People are so upset to think it might be taken away." Mrs Cullen lives at Warford Park, a residential complex for the over 55s.

She said most of those living there, including Marion Linstow, 92, could not drive and used Taxi Rider to make regular trips to Knutsford, Handforth Dean, Northwich and Altrincham.

"Some of the ladies here are a lot older than me and they find it absolutely invaluable," she said.

"I do feel it is important to senior citizens that they don't become cabbages sitting in their own places."

A bus to Altrincham passes about a mile from Warford Park in Faulkner's Lane but Mrs Cullen said it was not possible to use it. "It is dangerous to walk beside the road," she said.

"The cars race down there."

Without Taxi Rider residents would have to pay £16 to make a return journey to Knutsford in a standard taxi.

Knutsford historian Joan Leach, who lives in Chester Road, has been using the scheme two or three times a week since a knee operation in November prevented her cycling into town.

"Quite often I have to go to Manchester for meetings," she said.

"The Taxi-Rider takes me to Altrincham so I can get the Metrolink and then picks me up four hours later."

Lloyd Evans, who runs Amber Cars, said elderly people from all the villages around Knutsford relied on the scheme.

"I would say it's crucial to their standard of life," he said.

"It's all right them saying there is a bus, but a lot of the ladies can't walk a mile to a stop. What is going to happen to these people?"

On Thursday Cheshire County Council said a decision would be made about the scheme in the next two weeks.

"We're hopeful of retaining the most vital parts of it," said a spokesman.
_______________________