This report is concerned with the use of small vehicles for providing communal transport as a form of welfare. A postal survey, supplemented by personal interviews, was carried out in Birmingham to identify the pattern of transport provided by voluntary organisations. Data were collected on vehicle-type, cost and finance, drivers, users, trip purposes, and the development of the service. It appeared that most services were associated with some social or recreational service provided for particular clients, although the characteristics of clients varied considerably between different voluntary organisations. Journeys to suit personal requirements were less common, and there was little diversion from public transport. Levels of vehicle utilization varied considerably, and the potential for improving the provision of such transport by better co-ordination between organisations is discussed. The operation of social services department transport in two areas was also studied. This is a sector of transport provision which has grown in a relatively unplanned way in recent years, as a function ancillary to domiciliary and day-care provision. A number of problems for both types of transport supplier are identified in the context of fleet management, organisation and finance. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting