SPT News
SPT works with Glasgow City Council to manage co-ordination of transport services for voluntary clubs.
SPT steps in to save vital services
December 16, 2009 14:30 UKNewsSPT has stepped in to help save transport services for vulnerable groups in Glasgow.
The organisation has been working with Glasgow City Council to help find cheaper ways of providing transport services for voluntary run social groups after it was announced this service may have to be withdrawn due to budgetary pressures.
Starting from April 2010 SPT will use its transport expertise to coordinate services for around 70 groups so that this socially-necessary work can continue to benefit people in need.
Using the same software package it employs to schedule Dial-a-Bus journeys, SPT's Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) unit processed all of the journeys involved, creating operational efficiencies and cost reductions for the council.
The transport itself will be provided through a partnership between Community Transport groups (who will have some use of council vehicles) and SPT's DRT Unit.
The bulk of the cost for this will be split between Glasgow City Council's social work and community planning departments.
SPT chair Alistair Watson said: "SPT has been working in partnership with Glasgow City Council since August looking at transport services for voluntary groups in particular.
"The most significant result of that collaboration was the proposal that SPT would become responsible for the co-ordination of community transport for the various voluntary clubs currently served by the Council.
"I am delighted that has now been agreed and SPT will take over this part of the service in April next year."
