12:00pm Tuesday 9th December 2008
THURROCK volunteer driver organisation Trans-Vol is celebrating it 500,000th passenger trip.
On Thursday December 5 the organisation celebrated the milestone which comes after 14 years of working in partnership with Thurrock Council.
Trans-Vol is a registered charity and a voluntary organisation that utilises both volunteer drivers using their own cars and, a fleet of wheelchair accessible minibuses designed to meet the needs of those Trans-Vol’s members who are elderly, frail, disabled or have an impairment.
One of many Trans-Vol users invited to Thursday’s celebration at the Civic Offices, in New Road, Grays, was Peter Harrison who was surprised to discover he was the 500,000th passenger.
Peter received a plaque and a hamper to celebrate the event.
Trans-Vol currently has a membership in excess of 4,500 members with over 500 of them wheelchair users and completes on average over 41,000 journeys each year.
Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor John Everett, was at the celebration.
He said: “It is wonderful that the service operates seven days a week, from morning till late at night giving those of us who use the service great flexibility.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who provide the service, particularly those volunteers who provide assistance along with the paid staff.”
Trans-Vol is soon to launch a new service, a mobile Shopmobility scheme based in the car park of Morrisons Supermarket, Grays, close to their main entrance.
Starting early next year, the scheme - funded by the council, Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation and the Essex Community Foundation - will provide free use of electric scooters and wheelchairs for the frail and elderly, or those with a disability or impairment who need help shopping in the town centre.
For information on Trans-Vol, its services and how people can become a member please contact them on 08452 410399.
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