10,000th journey for Rochdale Volunteer Drivers Scheme

A volunteer drivers scheme, which helps older people in Rochdale get out and about, celebrated its 10,000th journey on Friday 30 April with a special event at Springhill Hospice.

Rochdale Volunteer Drivers Scheme (VDS) provides transport for older people to attend health appointments and leisure facilities, particularly when they need additional support such as someone to wait for them.

Supporters of the scheme, which launched in April 2008 thanks to funding from Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) and Rochdale Partnership for Older People’s Project (POPPs), marked its 10,000th journey with a celebration at Springhill Hospice today.

GMITA is responsible for overseeing the provision of public transport in Greater Manchester with GMPTE implementing GMITA’s policies.

At today’s celebration, Paul Lucas, GMPTE’s Operational Service Planning Manager, presented long service awards to volunteer drivers Bernard Thompson, from Rochdale, and Pamela Farrell, from Heywood.

Paul Lucas said: "When Rochdale Volunteer Drivers Scheme launched, it had a target of making 45 journeys per month – today it has 1300 registered users and undertakes an average of 700 journeys per month.

“To have made 10,000 journeys in just over two years is a key milestone for the VDS and GMPTE is honoured to be part of the celebrations and to recognise Bernard and Pamela for the hard work and dedication they have given to this vital community transport service.”

A not-for-profit scheme, Rochdale VDS continues to operate today with funding support from a partnership involving GMITA, Rochdale Borough Council and the NHS (Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale).

For further information or to book a journey with the Rochdale Volunteer Drivers Scheme telephone 01706 364711.

The scheme operates Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5.30pm and journeys are charged at a maximum of 40p per mile. As there is no waiting time charge, costs for trips outside of the local area such as hospital appointments are significantly reduced.