Dorset County Council made a successful bid to the government for funding from the Rural Bus Challenge in 2001 to set up an accessible transport scheme in north Dorset. A sum of £462,000 was awarded over three years and this has been used to set up a dial-a-ride service with buses based in Blandford, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton.

NORDCAT minibuses are wheelchair accessible and can carry up to 15 passengers.

There is a small annual registration fee of £2 to cover administration costs. The buses are also available for groups to hire. The registration for this is £5 per year.

For more information on any of the NORDCAT services please contact:

• NORDCAT Community Transport Manager
  Name: Helen Reed
  Tel: 01258 472164
  Full details for Helen Reed