What is a RTP?
A Rural Transport Partnership will look at how existing rural transport services might be better enhanced, or whether new transport schemes are required to meet local needs, and then will take steps to implement these improvements.Who are the partners?
The East Sussex Rural Transport Partnership (ESRTP) is well represented with partners from national and local authorities, the voluntary and community transport (CT) sector, user groups, regional charitable bodies and community associations. Click here for details.What does the ESRTP do?
As a joint venture, the ESRTP aims to improve rural community transport in East Sussex by:
- supporting and developing community transport schemes
- promoting common trading standards
- giving advice and assistance for fundraising
- provide a "one-stop info shop" at the Community Transport Resource and Co-ordination Centre
How can you help us?
If you are part of a voluntary group or parish council we can offer recommendations and support for you to set up or develop your own community-based transport. We can help you decide on the best scheme for your community or the right source for financial assistance, organise training packages in areas such as disability awareness, specialist minibus equipment or passenger safety issues or advise on good operational practice and management.You might consider setting up a community minibus service to take a social or youth group to town for shopping or a day's outing, for example. Or to run a voluntary car scheme for elderly people to book a lift for a journey door to door, which they cannot make by public transport.
What if you are without ready access to private transport or experience mobility difficulties? We can recommend someone local to approach to help you get to where you want to go, so giving you a greater degree of independence. We have also, at certain times, three medium-sized accessible coaches that can be hired with drivers for group trips. Click here for details.
What have you achieved so far in East Sussex?
- established and/or significantly improved six or more community-based transport schemes
- successfully bid for and now manage five Rural Bus Challenge 2000 (link to newsletter) projects, aiming to reduce private car usage and bringing in £776,820 over three years; five rural communities will benefit from a commuter service, primary school link, Dial-a-Ride and weekend leisure service
- formed the Community Transport Resource and Co-ordination Centre offering up-to-date advice and information on all aspects of community and voluntary transport
- took over the running of the East Sussex Disability Association coach service, taking requests from member groups and outside organisations wishing to use the coach hire service
- qualified a MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) driver assessor-trainer to undertake training for minibus drivers
- raised the profile of community transport in East Sussex through displays and presentations
I want to use the ESDA Coach Service.
How can I join ESDA?
Non-profit making community and voluntary groups in East Sussex are permitted to hire the ESDA coaches for social outings. The ESRTP only requires that your group join the ESDA Coach Service Group Membership scheme prior to booking a coach. For information on the membership scheme, hire prices and availability, please send an email. Or click here for the Vehicle/Driver Availability page.Your group does not need to be a member of the East Sussex Disability Association (ESDA) to use the ESDA Coach Service. Disability groups may join ESDA if the aims of your group are seen to serve ESDA's constitutional purposes and you are willing to be governed by their trustees. Your group's assets and finances will then be incorporated into those of ESDA. For more information on ESDA, click here.
