A call for more volunteers for community transport groups in the East Riding has been made on a recent visit to Goole.
Cllr David Elvidge, portfolio holder for community involvement and community sector at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, made the appeal after meeting members of the Goole GoFar team.
Goole GoFar operates two Medibus services for patients and visitors, one servicing Goole and Scunthorpe hospitals under contract to the council and another funded by a successful National Lottery bid that services Hull and Castle Hill hospitals.
But like all community transport teams, Goole GoFar always needs more drivers, and the pandemic has had a big impact on the number of volunteers it has.
Cllr Elvidge joined members of the council’s transportation team on the visit, travelling in the council’s new electric-powered minibus.
They met with Goole GoFar business manager Christine Dales and development coordinator Andy Jackson.
Cllr David Elvidge said: “It was great to meet Christine and Andy, members of Goole GoFar.
“They were extremely interested in the zero emissions minibus we travelled in.
“Community transport in such a rural authority is vital for our residents and providers. Like Goole GoFar, they work with the council in many ways including the Medibus service, offering essential support when it’s most needed.
“They are, however, like other community groups - short of volunteer drivers. I would implore anyone with a licence and spare time to think about giving their time to help others.
“It brings its own reward.”
Pictured are Cllr David Elvidge, right, meets Andy Jackson and Christine Dales from Goole GoFar, travelling there on the new electric minibus.
