New vehicle on the road makes life easier for passengers

Editorial Department • Published 5 Aug 2010 16:30 0 Comments

RURAL Lift have launched a new state-of-the-art minibus for South West Fermanagh.

The unique Bluebird Tucana vehicle was unveiled on Friday following a reception at Enniskillen Townhall.

Designed with a low floor, the bus is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and will make life much easier for its passengers.

It's the latest addition to the partnership's fleet of vehicles, all of which are designed with rear access and a passenger lift.

Speaking at the launch, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Stephen Huggett said Rural Lift provided a service that is "essential" to the rural community in Fermanagh, adding: "The Council will be supporting organisations like Rural Lift in its response to the Consultation Paper regarding the proposals for Bus Operating Licences. As usual, Rural Lift is being pro active in providing this new low floor bus and the Council recognises their commitment in acquiring this vehicle," he said.

Mr. Huggett's party colleague, Michelle Gildernew praised Rural Lift's never ending 'drive' to deliver: "The ability to sit at the front of the bus as opposed to way at the back might seem like a small thing to us, but it's a real acknowledgement of equality to the users of Rural Lift.

"I have been talking to them today and they've told me how much this new bus will change their lives in the most simplest of ways. As a rural dweller myself I am very aware of the importance of transport in the countryside and I want to commend everyone here in Rural Lift for your forward thinking and your eagerness to serve your users," she said.

Sitting on board the bus, Ms. Gildernew joked that the vehicle would be "handy" getting to and from Stormont: "We really need a bus like this. A Skoda is alright but a bus would be even better, more so I suppose, at home. We need to make room in our car for push chairs, bicycles, wellies, you name it. It would be great to have a bus like this to spin around the country roads in!" she laughed.

One of Rural Lift's users, Corina Leavey says she is delighted with the new minibus: "I think the service is great and very beneficial to the disabled and the elderly. You're sitting up front and are able to interact with the driver, instead of sitting at the back and seeing nothing. I was very, very impressed to get on the bus for the first time and can't wait to get on it again. Long may it last!" she said.

Rural Lift for South West Fermanagh has being going strong for 10 years and aims to provide accessible transport services for people in the rural area who are unable to access services either through mobility problems or lack of public transport. They have 850 individual members, 75 group members and provide an average of 3,600 passenger trips per month for shopping, medical appointments, employment, training and social recreational purposes.

Rural Lift Manager Anita Flanagan said: "We pride ourselves in providing innovative and accessible transport opportunities for everyone in South West Fermanagh and are delighted to be able to introduce the first low floor minibus in Northern Ireland to our members."

For more information on the work of Rural Lift in Fermanagh, call 028 66 324 260, e-mail info@rurallift.com or visit www.rurallift.com.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 05 Aug 10

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