We are very aware of the challenges of travelling around Fenland if you do not have a car. Whilst most of you will already be aware of FACT Community Transport we want to take this opportunity to remind you about their services including the dial a ride and dial a car. It is hoped that this information is useful for you to assist residents in your wards should they be eligible for this transport.
FACT operates as a charity serving the Fenland, Huntingdonshire and East Cambs Areas of Cambridgeshire to people who have difficulties using conventional modes of transport. Their aim is to provide accessible, affordable and safe transport services. They are a membership organisation, therefore groups/individuals are required to register and meet eligibility criteria before they can benefit from the services.
Dial a Ride Service
FACT provides a door to door Dial A Ride service to individuals who cannot access conventional modes of transport and who are socially isolated. To become a member, residents have to meet a certain criteria to show they are eligible to use the services- eg cannot access public transport, have mobility issues or live in a rural area. FACT members generally consist of the frail and elderly. Their fleet of vehicles range from minibuses with seating capacity of 12 – 16 passengers to some vehicles being able to carry up to five wheelchair users. Residents who are eligible for a national concessionary bus pass will also benefit from free travel on these services though CPCA and FDC Concessionary travel for dial a ride policies. The timetables for the dial a ride services are attached for reference.
Dial A Car Service
FACT also have cars carrying one wheelchair user/two passengers. The cars are for their Dial A Car service, members can use the Dial A Car for services such as medical appointments. As with the dial a ride, customers have to meet the FACT eligibility requirements. The customer also has to pay for the journey using the dial a car.
All drivers are trained to a nationally recognised standard – MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness cheme) which is administered nationally by the Communtiy Transport Association UK (CTA).
For further information on all services FACT provide, please refer to their website www.fact-cambs.sch.uk