Taxi Voucher Scheme
Taxi fares at half-price for residents of Winster to travel to medical appointments and hospital visits
Winster Taxi Voucher Scheme is operated by Winster Parish Council with the financial support of the Countryside Agency

The Countryside Agency has awarded Winster a one-off grant to set up a Taxi Voucher Scheme for medical appointments and visits to local hospitals. This means that Winster people will be able to travel at half the full taxi fare.

The scheme is to help permanent residents of Winster who do not own a motor vehicle and have to rely on public transport to attend medical appointments outside the village but within the Derbyshire Dales district. It also helps permanent residents to visit family members, partners and close friends in local hospitals. It is also open to people who have cars but are unable to use them because of special circumstances.

It is important that the Taxi Voucher Scheme does not undermine the current 172 bus service or the ambulance booking system. The idea is that you can use the scheme when the bus service does not fit in with the time of your appointment or visit, or when there is some other travel problem. For instance, it will provide a door-to-door service for people needing to go to Calow hospital, where travel from Winster by bus is difficult.

The Taxi Voucher Scheme is managed by Winster Parish Council. The practical details will be dealt with initially by a small committee consisting of Brian Long (650780), Judy Williams (650580) and Frank Mason (650738). Membership of this group may change in the course of time.

Residents who are eligible can complete a simple application form downloadable here or obtainable from the Post Office. All applications will be treated in strict confidence. How the Taxi Voucher Scheme works Applications must be approved in advance.

Applications must to be handed in at the Post office at least 48 hours before travel. We will consider emergency requests but cannot guarantee these can be fulfilled.

Vouchers will be issued to cover 50% of the cost of a return taxi journey for a medical appointment or hospital visit. You will pay the 50% balance to the taxi driver when you make your journey. Two vouchers will be issued for return journeys in case you want to use two different taxi companies.

If you ask the taxi to wait until your visit is over, you yourself will be expected to pay the extra cost.

Vouchers will be limited to one return journey per household per week. This is to ensure a fair distribution of the funds. However, special requests may be considered for more frequent visits if funds allow.

You are responsible for booking your own taxi. The taxi operator must be from the approved list whose telephone numbers appear below. Please make sure at the time of booking that the taxi company or driver knows that your travel is under the Winster Taxi Voucher Scheme.

If you wish to make an application concerning 'special circumstances' outside these criteria, please contact one of the members of the committee listed above.

Brian Long
Chairman Winster Parish Council