DRIVERS and sponsorship are being sought by the Launceston Community Transport Partnership to help run its community bus service.
A vehicle has been purchased for the service using over £30,000 given to the partnership by Cornwall County Council. The Renault Master will have 12 seats as well as a tail lift and anchorage for two wheelchairs.
Les Smith was recently appointed as a co-ordinator for the project. At a meeting of Launceston Town Council on Tuesday, March 17, Mr Smith explained that his role was to make sure the paper work was in order for the drivers and to plan their routes. He also had to make sure the vehicle was in order.
He said the partnership currently had 15 volunteer drivers but stressed that they were always looking for more drivers as they needed "as many as possible."
Lavinia Archer, Chairman of the partnership said all drivers would be CRB checked and would receive appropriate training.
The service would be up and running no later than May 5 said Mr Smith, however a trip to Truro has been planned for April 18.
The bus will go out to rural areas surrounding Launceston and bring people into the town where they will be able to do their shopping, banking etc before being taken safely home.
At the moment, the bus is planned to go to three particular areas one day a week. However, Mr Smith said that "use will determine the routes more than anything." He commented: "I'm sure it's going to be very exciting once it gets going."
People will need to call the partnership to book their seats on the bus. The telephone number will be released once they are ready to take bookings.
Tickets will cost £3 for a return and £2 for a single. Concessionary cards will be accepted. Mr Smith said: "We need to make sure we break even. We'd ideally like to make enough profit so that in five years time we can buy another bus."
It is also planned to hire the bus out to local groups and to organise outings on Saturdays to places such as Truro, Trago Mills, Atlantic Village etc.
Mr Smith said they were keen to get sponsorship and were hoping to offer advertising space on the bus as well as possibly offering companies the chance to sponsor a seat.
Addressing the council, Mr Smith said: "If you feel like you're in a position to donate us anything that would be really nice."
Cllr Graham Facks-Martin said: "I think it's marvellous how quickly it's got off the ground and the progress it's made." He added: "I hope we could give them some financial assistance."
Cllr Olver Harris felt the parish councils should also contribute as the bus would be picking up residents from their areas.
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Paul O'Brien, who is also vice chairman of the Community Transport Partnership said it was their intention to write to the parish councils asking for a contribution.