Scheme Statistics

November.2008

Bikes in use - 37
Clients Assisted Since April 07 -270

How Did Workwise Start

The Workwise scheme was established in September 2003 when Worcestershire County Council, Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council submitted a joint bid to the Countryside Agency for funding. This bid was successful and an officer was appointed to establish and run the scheme. The Workwise scheme has been developed to provide access to opportunities in employment, training and further education for people who have been unable do so because they fall through the gaps in current public and commercial transport provision due mainly to their rural location. The scheme deals with this problem by offering two main solutions to the individual:

• Individual Travel Planning
• Moped Loan

Individual Travel Planning: One of the main problems encountered by the scheme is not so much the lack of public transport provision but insufficient knowledge of the services provided and where to access the information. Having the Workwise Officer based within the Integrated Passenger Transport Unit of Worcestershire County Council means that they are able to access the most up-to-date information regarding services provision and timetables within the county. It also gives the officer access to any proposed changes in this provision.

Moped Loan: If after looking at the transport provision in the client’s area it is decided that there is no suitable public transport provision to enable them to access employment, training or further education opportunities, the scheme can then offer the loan of a 50cc moped for a period of up to 12 months. This includes the relevant training, insurance, safety equipment and clothing.

Expansion of the Workwise Scheme

The scheme has been a success and Advantage West Midlands have now awarded Worcestershire County Council funding to expand the scheme by increasing the number of mopeds available for hire to 50 (by 2009/10). To achieve this the existing fleet of 30 mopeds will be replaced with new vehicles and an additional 20 new mopeds acquired.

Current Sponsors of the Workwise Scheme are: