Ben Lake MP took time out of his busy schedule recently to visit Preseli Rural Transport Association better known locally as Green Dragon Bus, who provide community transport services that enables people who live in the south of Ceredigion to access local facilities and services.
Green Dragon Bus is a not-for-profit organisation which provides door to door and scheduled services to residents across south west Wales. Their mission is to help those unable to use mainstream transport, due to their disability or age or having no access to normal public transport, to reach their destination, wherever that may be, and lead as much of an independent life as is possible, in respect of transport.
Ben Lake was greeted by Manager Caroline Wilson at their headquarters in Bwlchygroes. The Ceredigion MP was keen to learn more about the organisation and Caroline spoke to him about a number of challenges currently facing community transport - namely the lack of funding and volunteers and the more serious and recent threat faced by community transport due to the Department of Transport’s proposed permit changes.
After a very helpful discussion, Ben Lake MP went for a ride around Cardigan on one of the Green Dragon Bus services to speak with passengers who explained how the service is a lifeline to many of them, travelling locally between towns and villages can be difficult and prohibitively expensive for people without a car or for those who cannot access public transport.
Caroline Wilson, Green Dragon Bus manager said:
“Mr Lake was very interested to hear about how our service works and how important our funding is for maintaining the service. Our customers tell us that the service we offer them is vital: we provide an affordable, convenient, safe and comfortable service to take them to the shops, to hospital appointments, to see friends and take part in social activities – the journeys that many of us take for granted. For some of the passengers this is the only time each week they can escape from their homes – a vital service which helps them keep a little independence for as long as possible.”
Ben Lake MP said:
“It was great to meet members of the Green Dragon Bus team and the passengers who use the service on a regular basis. We know the immense value of community transport. It offers benefits other than simply transporting people from door to door. It meets unmet need, generates social value and provides a lifeline to people who may otherwise be cut off from friends, family, work, education, social activities and essential appointments due to disability or geography.”