Vital minibus service for elderly and disabled in South Powys may face 50% cut in funding

The Brecon dial-a-ride service is under threat after it was revealed that it’s funding could be cut by 50% The scheme is vital for those living in the South Brecon area who are unable to use public transport.

The door-to-door minibus service has over 600 members in the Brecon area. However the council is considering reducing their grant of £26,500 by half. Powys council are currently reviewing their community transport funding, however no decision has officially been made over the funding cut to the dial-a-ride service.

The minibus scheme is South Powys costs £197,000 to run so the cut in funding will hit the service hard, and the knock-on affect for the disabled and elderly people who rely on the service could be detrimental.

Previously there were 9 different minibuses in operation in the Brecon area running the dial-a-ride scheme, now there are only 3 which are based in three towns in the area, Talgarth, Crickhowell and Sennybridge, and now the future of these remaining minibuses are in jeopardy.

The dial-a-ride scheme provides a vital service for disabled and elderly locals as the minibuses are all fully equipped with wheelchair access and other facilities required by these individuals. The scheme allows them to retain their independence. Many rely on it to attend hospital and doctor’s appointments, and social gatherings, without the dial-a-ride service these individuals would find it hard to make these essential visits.