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Access Alliance Conference 2009. Voluntary and Community Transport Initiatives since 1980’s Responsive to local need Focussed on values of promoting mobility and affordability for disabled / disadvantaged people, access, equality, fairness, flexibility Changing environment, changing role
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Access Alliance Conference 2009 • Voluntary and Community Transport • Initiatives since 1980’s • Responsive to local need • Focussed on values of promoting mobility and affordability for disabled / disadvantaged people, access, equality, fairness, flexibility • Changing environment, changing role • Mainstream providers ‘catching up’
Access Alliance Conference 2009 • What is it and how does it work? • Voluntary Car Schemes PPTA 1985 Dial A Ride Schemes (Section 19) Dial A Bus Shopper Scheme (S19) 1981 • Community Bus (S22) • Scheduled Services • Community Group Travel (S19)
Access Alliance Conference 2009 • Diversity in Culture and Delivery • CT engagement with LA’s varies widely • Statutory engagement in contracting • Permit v O Licences – • Local Transport Act 2008 changes • Tensions with Passenger Transport Industry • Traffic Commissioners / VOSA Challenges
Access Alliance Conference 2009 • Linkage with AAP programme • Access to jobs and training….? • Out of ‘Comfort’ zone • Issues of Capacity - where to focus it • Urban v Rural pressures – availability and allocation • Great efforts made to engage • Variable amounts of success • Barriers - Own worst enemy?
Access Alliance Conference 2009 • Schemes funded have included • training initiatives, • independent travel training, • mini bus feeder services to industrial sites, • car sharing as green / access options • Lack of employer engagement – ‘not our problem’ ‘they manage somehow’ • Perceived difficulty in employer recruiting? Myth or reality?
Access Alliance Conference 2009 Downturn / Recession issues • Costs rise (fuel/maintenance) • Demand for ‘optional’ transport is down • muddling through with cars – carbon issues • Grant regime less available / generous • More availability of volunteers • Rural isolation and demographic pressures grow
Access Alliance Conference 2009 • Capital readily available (LTP 2) • LTP 3 business case, evidenced based • Revenue scarcity (plus ca change) • Social Entrepreneur – Size matters • Build on our strengths
Access Alliance Conference 2009 • National Picture • CTA conference 18th November • Plunkett Foundation connections • State of Sector report • Panel Discussion – What does the VCS sector want from the next government • Recognition? Resources? Reflection?
Access Alliance Conference 2009 • Recession – has it made the sector • Leaner ? • Greener ? • Growth - demographics and the growing need for inclusiveness / empowerment and independence • Strategic Options.. Will we be ready