Mid Wales 'Wheels to Work' takes off with a bang

11.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 6th Dec 2007

Kirsty at the Wheels to Work Launch

South Powys 'Wheels to Work' (W2W) has been launched with gusto at the Royal Welsh Showground following the great success of the scheme in North Powys. The scheme will help to overcome poor public transport barriers in this rural area and to widen access to educational, training and employment opportunities.

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon & Radnorshire attended the launch;"This innovative initiative will not only provide mobility in an area which is poorly served by public transport it will also provide opportunity and choice for self improvement and employment along with wider social interaction which leads to greater community participation and self-fulfilment."

"This is a short term solution to the isolating and lacking transport services in areas such as ours and in the long term the Government must invest in environmentally friendly public transport provisions for a lasting and sustainable solution."

The scheme provides access to scooters for 16-25 year olds holding a provisional license. Applicants are first tested at the Llanelwedd showground once they have passed they pay £10 per week into the Credit Union in exchange for use of a scooter; half of this money goes into the running of the project and the other half is returned to them at the end of the scheme to help towards their next form of transport.

Applicants may use the scooter to travel to their place of work, training, school or college if it is more than 3 miles away and must prove that there is no alternative form of transport available.

Kirsty said;" I was very impressed by the enthusiasm and road awareness of the participants and their obvious gratitude at the freedom provided by the scheme.

"A good transport network is vital for economic productivity, social satisfaction and self improvement. The W2W scheme has been successful in rural areas across the UK and not only benefits its participants but promotes an active community and skilled workforce which in turn benefits us all.