Category: News

Gloucestershire County Council is thrilled to announce the launch of The Robin, the innovative on-demand transport service, in the Newent area hitting the road 3 June (bookings available from 26 May).

This exciting expansion marks a major milestone in the county’s mission to connect rural communities with flexible, reliable, and accessible public transport.

The Robin, which is already successful in five other rural areas across Gloucestershire, offers a lifeline to residents with limited access to timetabled public transport.

Operating from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, the service allows passengers to book journeys via an easy-to-use app, website, or phone line. Whether it’s a trip to the shops, a doctor’s appointment, or a connection to another transport hub, The Robin is ready to roll—wherever you are within its service area. And you don’t even have to live in a Robin area to use this service.

A boost for rural mobility

The launch in and around Newent fills the major gap in Gloucestershire’s rural transport network, ensuring that many rural communities in the county now benefit from this modern, on-demand transport solution. The Robin doesn’t follow fixed routes—instead, it picks up and drops off passengers at bus stops that suit them, offering unmatched flexibility and convenience.

Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for Strategic Highways and Sustainable Transport, said: “I’m thrilled we’re able to make this investment to see The Robin expand into another new area. It will help meet the needs of residents in Newent and the surrounding area. It will boost rural connectivity and expand The Robin service, which will now cover the vast majority of rural Gloucestershire.” 

Background to the scheme

The Robin was first introduced in 2022 to tackle the growing challenge of rural isolation and limited transport options. Since its inception with two areas, it has transformed travel for thousands of residents, with over 43,300 passenger-trips made since it started across its existing five service areas. The Newent area expansion is funded by Gloucestershire County Council and builds on the success of previous rollouts: in the south Forest of Dean, north and south Cotswolds, Berkeley Vale, and Tewkesbury district.

How to book

Booking a ride is simple:

• App: Download “The Robin” from your app store (search “The Robin bus transport”)
• Website: Visit  https://start.gloucestercountycouncil.padam.io/bookings/searchhttps://start.gloucestercountycouncil.padam.io/bookings/search
• Phone: Call 0345 263 8139, Mon to Fri 8am to 4pm

Cllr Gill Moseley, who represents the Newent on the County Council, said: “I am really pleased to welcome the Robin bookable bus service to this area.  There are so many rural communities here that need this sort of flexible service.  People need better access to local health services, shops, and community facilities and activities   I know it has been a success in the central and southern parts of the Forest of Dean and people living in the Newent neighbourhood now have the opportunity to use this innovative public transport option as well.”

For more information, visit https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/transport/the-robin/ 

Anna has written a account of the valuable time she spent at Dial a Ride.

This week I have completed a week of work experience with Lydney Dial a Ride. What an experience it has been!

Everyone has been so kind and welcoming here. I have done a bit of everything. I have been in the Charity shop and interacted with the local community; it’s so nice to see people support local shops.

The Dial a Ride service operates on a flexible schedule, allowing users to book trips in advance. This is convenient and a reliable transport option to take people to local amenities like the shops, maintain their independence and help with social interactions.

I experience this first hand when I went on the minibuses and assisted the users safely on and off the minibuses, with the help of the drivers. I also undertook a survey while on the minibuses to find out what the passengers thought of the service.

Overwhelmingly it was a positive response. Many said that they would struggle if they had to find lifts and taxis would just be too expensive an option. They like that it helps them get out and about. They also talked about how helpful the staff were, they enjoy the company while on their journey and found the staff lovely and funny.

My time working at the Charity felt rewarding and it felt like I am giving back to the community.

If you are interested in using the Lydney Dial a Ride service, its easy and simple, all you have to do is call 01594 843809.

Your generosity has a real impact on the lives of vulnerable, isolated, elderly and disabled people living in the Forest of Dean.

Many residents have no access to public transport services and rely on Lydney Dial a Ride to get out and about, to attend medical appointments, visit friends and relatives, or use local amenities. Without the transport solutions and assistance provided by Lydney Dial a Ride, many vulnerable and disabled residents would simply not be able to leave their home. Thanks to your support we are able to help people in the most isolated communities live their lives to their fullest potential.

You can read or download the report here

The Lydney Dial a Ride Cost of Living Fund will be launched in April 2025.

The aim of Lydney Dial a Ride has always been to ensure those that are frail, elderly, disabled or rurally isolated of any age, have access to local amenities. We use of a fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles which enables those people to remain active members of their local communities.

In line with our fortieth anniversary year, we have launched this fund to help those with the lowest incomes in our local community have access to the transport that they need.

We have been successful in securing finance allowing us to launch this fund and contribute to the cost of passengers’ travel with Lydney Dial a Ride. Times are hard, and we know how difficult it can be when you are unable to access the public transport you need to attend medical appointments or go shopping. At a time when many are struggling with the cost of living, we hope this small contribution will make travel a little easier.

This funding is to help towards the cost of the Lydney Dial a Ride door to door service or the Lydney Dial a Ride voluntary car service.

During 2025, you will be able to apply for £40 to put towards your travel costs with us.

You must comply with the terms of our membership, but you can be a new or existing member of Lydney Dial a Ride. It takes just a short form to complete before we add the funds to your Dial a Ride membership record.

Download the application form here

Based in Lydney and Cinderford they raise vital funds for the Charity, maintaining the fleet of minibuses can be expensive.

We are so grateful to everyone that brings their donations in and they are great places to grab a bargain. Each shop is open Monday to Saturday and stocks a range of clothing, books, toys and homeware.
You can also sign up for Dial-a-Ride membership or find out more about our services.

You could also join us as a volunteer, helping to sort the donations.

For further information contact Sue and Jane in the Lydney shop on 01594 843809 or Vanessa and Anthea in the Cinderford shop on 01594 823123.

Lydney Dial-a-Ride has a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who offer a range of services designed to meet your unique accessible transportation requirements:

Classic Dial-a-Ride: Our signature door-to-door service, perfect for essential trips and social outings.

The Robin: A specialised service heling you to attend important an appointment or social engagement.

Why Choose Lydney Dial-a-Ride?

Personalised Care: Our friendly drivers are compassionate professionals trained to assist passengers with various needs.

Accessibility: Our vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art features to ensure a comfortable journey for all, including those using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Flexibility: With our user-friendly booking system, arranging your travel is a breeze.

Community Focus: As a registered charity, we’re committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Lydney, Coleford, Cinderford, and surrounding villages.

More Than Just Transportation

Lydney Dial-a-Ride is your gateway to independence. We’re not just about getting you from A to B – we’re about enriching your life:

• Stay connected with friends and family
• Helping you attend a medical appointment
• Enjoy hassle-free shopping trips
• Participate in social activities with ease

Don’t let transportation challenges hold you back. With Lydney Dial-a-Ride, we remove the barriers to accessing the Forest of Dean. Experience the joy of stress-free travel and rediscover your independence today!

Contact us now to book your ride or learn more about our services. Together, let’s keep our community moving!

We are excited to announce the launch of its brand-new website, designed to make it easier than ever for the local community to access reliable and affordable transport services.

This new website offers a user-friendly experience with streamlined navigation and improved accessibility features. Users can now find information on services, book rides online, and stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Lydney Dial-a-Ride.

A Commitment to Accessibility Lydney Dial-a-Ride has been serving the community for [number of years] years, providing essential transport solutions for those who may otherwise struggle to get around. The new website reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to ensuring everyone has access to safe and convenient transport.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new website,” said Manager Louise. “It’s an important step forward in making our services more accessible and providing an easier way for our passengers to connect with us.”

Key Features of the New Website:

• Online Booking: Passengers can now conveniently book their rides online.
• Service Information: Detailed information on available transport options.
• Accessibility Features: Designed to be user-friendly for individuals with varying needs.
• News and Updates: Stay informed about upcoming events and service announcements.

Lydney Dial-a-Ride invites the community to explore the new website and experience the improvements firsthand.

For more information, please visit [website URL] or contact [Contact Name] at [Contact Email / Phone Number].

About Lydney Dial-a-Ride: Lydney Dial-a-Ride is a community transport service providing affordable and accessible travel options for residents of Lydney and the surrounding areas. With a dedicated team of drivers and volunteers, Lydney Dial-a-Ride aims to ensure mobility for all.