Taxi Driver Online

Brentwood Gazette

April 4, 2007 Wednesday

Pioneering cab service launched

A New scheme has been launched in Wickford to offer cheaper taxi travel for elderly and disabled residents.

The scheme which will revolutionise low cost door-to-door travel is the first of its kind in the country and has been pioneered by a partnership between Basildon Council, Essex County Council, Essex Police and local taxi operators.

The partner agencies got together with disabled residents, right, in Wickford High Street to publicise the scheme.

Terri Sargent, the district council's cabinet member for community services, said the service will help to tackle social exclusion. "We are the first authority in the country to usher in this type of scheme.

"There are hundreds of residents who live isolated lives because they can't use the normal forms of transport that many of us take for granted.

"I hope it will help residents who are housebound or restricted in how they can travel to regain their independence, and live better lives."

The Government has invested more than £70,000 in the scheme.
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