Swiftlink Service Closure Notification

Community Transport has announced that the Swiftlink night-time travel-to-work service is to cease on 18 July 2008. The Routeforward Travel Bureau will be unable to accept any booking for transport after this date.

Whilst we are not able to offer alternative transport once Swiftlink has finished, if you need help with any other employment related issue then please contact the employment Helpline on 08000 305 344 where general employment support and advice is available.

As you might be aware, Swiftlink has been operated by Community Transport Coventry and has been funded through Neighbourhood Renewal Funds (NRF). Over the last four years NRF has helped start and then keep the Swiftlink service running by subsidising the operational costs of the service by up to 80%. Unfortunately, NRF is no longer available and despite best efforts of all concerned to secure alternative funding, particularly from business and employers, this has not been possible.

Consequently, a decision had to be made on the continuity of the service due to the funding shortfall. At the Swiftlink Steering Group meeting held on 16 June 2008, it was agreed by all partners in the initiative that the Swiftlink service would cease to operate after 18 July 2008.

Please note that this announcement does not affect any of the other services operated by Community Transport in the city. In particular they will continue to run the following:

· Minibuses services for voluntary and community groups

· A car scheme that involves volunteers using their own cars to transport older people with mobility difficulties

· Training in minibus driving and other skills

· Collection and sale of low cost used furniture