New office for Rochdale Volunteer Drivers Scheme

Paul Lucas, GMPTE’s Operational Service Planning Manager (right), presents the keys to the new Rochdale VDS office to Neil Foley, CEO of Heywood New Heart Community Transport

A volunteer drivers scheme, which helps older people in Rochdale get out and about, has opened a new office – with assistance from Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA).

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

On Monday 24 May the scheme opened a new drop-in office at Rochdale Bus Station, where VDS volunteers will work in conjunction with the nearby GMPTE Travelshop to provide dedicated travel information to potential and registered users of the scheme.

The office, which has been provided by GMITA at a peppercorn rent, has been funded by GMITA and Rochdale Borough Council. GMITA is responsible for overseeing the provision of public transport in Greater Manchester with GMPTE implementing GMITA’s policies.

Paul Lucas, GMPTE’s Operational Service Planning Manager, said: “Rochdale VDS has proven itself to be a vital service, providing community transport and, in many cases, companionship to older people during times of stress, for example when visiting the hospital or GP.

“The new office will place the VDS in a more prominent position in the heart of Rochdale, offering service users an opportunity to drop in to book a journey or get expert advice on their transport needs.”

For further information or to book a journey with the Volunteer Drivers Scheme contact Rochdale’s Partnership for Older People’s Project (POPPs) on 01706 926666.

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.