H.A.R.T. Community Transport History In East Yorkshire

H.A.R.T. is a true Community Transport programme in East Yorkshire.

East Yorkshire PARISH COUNCILS

A local East Yorkshire County Councillor brought together a working party of Parish Councillors with a shared concern over the lack of public transport in North Holderness, East Yorkshire. A rural area with many scattered sparsely populated villages connected by narrow country lanes.  Initially five Parish Councils were responsible for raising the the finance for the first vehicle they are:

• Bewholme Parish Council
• Atwick Parish Council
• Withernwick Parish Council
• Hatfield Parish Council
• Mappleton Parish Council

In 2003 each of the Parish Councils raised 10,000 pounds through the Countryside Agency Parish Transport Grant programme and then 'pooled' the money to kick start the H.A.R.T. Community Transport project.  Guidance and assistance from the Rural Transport Partnership Officer ensured H.A.R.T. Community Transports development.

A survey in each of the 5 Parishes highlighted the concern residents had over accessing health facilities.  Grant money was found to operate a demand responsive MEDiBUS service for North and Mid Holderness in East Yorkshire.

TODAY

The operational area now extends from Flamborough to Spurn Point, a 40 mile  stretch of rural coastline taking in 2 market towns.  The charity owns 3 vehicles (now 6 as of October 2009) and operates a 4th under contract from the local authority. Combating rural isolation through transport provision is the driving force behind our services which now include MEDiBUS, MiBUS, Shoppers, access to support groups, access to social and leisure opportunities and community group use.

Funding the organisation is a challenge, over the last couple of years the charity has moved towards a social enterprise model earning 75% of its revenue income.

H.A.R.T. (Holderness Area Rural Transport)