Test Valley Community Transport Scheme
If there is one common theme that crops up time and again as an issue for voluntary and community groups, it is “Transport”!
Getting to and from meetings, doctor’s surgeries, shops, employment, entertainment etc is a problem for anyone who cannot easily access public or private transport. Those particularly affected include young people, those with disabilities, older people and young families, all live throughout Test Valley, from the remotest rural areas, right to the heart of the two main towns of Andover and Romsey.
The Test Valley Community Transport Scheme is run by TVCS with funding from Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council. It has been established to provide:
- a co-ordinated approach to community transport in Test Valley
- new services to meet the needs of people who have poor access to public or private transport.
Dial A Ride Services in Test Valley
The Dial A Ride services around Romsey and Andover, now called the Test Valley Dial A Ride, are operated by Test Valley Community Transport on behalf of Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council. Details of services in the Romsey area available here
Dial A Ride services in the Andover area include a weekly service from the west (Thruxton, Wallops and Grateley areas) and the east (Longparish). For more information on these services, please contact TVCS on 01264 356808.
Dial A Ride passengers need to be registered with TVCS.
A Registration form is available here.
Minibuses
The scheme aims to enhance the community transport already available in Test Valley and includes eight accessible minibuses. The minibuses are available for local community groups to hire. Bookings are welcome at any time. For more information please read the Minibus Question and Answer sheet.
A booking form is available HERE, but you are advised to ring the office first to check availability before making a formal booking.
Please read the Minibus Charges.
Please also read Terms and Conditions for use of minibuses.
The Community Transport Manager is also aware of other community minibuses in Test Valley and whether they are made available for hire by others. If you need a minibus for a community trip, you can contact the Transport Manager who can advise on all the available alternatives.
Accessible cars
TVCS also has two accessible cars, suitable for wheelchair users or anyone else who is unable to get into or out of an ordinary car. The cars are supplied with a volunteer driver, and can be used for transport to and from any medical appointments, hospital, and respite, as well as for social occasions and outings. Please contact TVCS for more details
or see the brochures here.
Wheelchair Accessible Cars and
Appeal for Volunteer Drivers
Drivers
Community transport always needs new volunteer drivers. TVCS can provide MiDAS (for minibus drivers). Read here about
MiDAS Training.
A MiDAS booking form is available
HERE, but you are advised to ring the office first to check dates and availability of places on courses.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Transport Manager.
Contacting the Community Transport Manager
For all issues related to the Test Valley Community Transport Scheme, contact the Community Transport Manager, Dick Hewett or the Community Transport Officer, Zoe White.
Telephone: 01264 356808 or email to
Dick Hewett
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