THE importance of Preseli Rural Transport Association - better known locally as Green Dragon Bus – has been highlighted.

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake recently visited the group, which provides community transport services in south Ceredigion and North Pembrokeshire.

Green Dragon Bus is a not-for-profit organisation which provides door-to-door and scheduled services to residents across south west Wales. Its mission is to help those unable to use mainstream transport, due to their disability or age or having no access to normal public transport, to reach their destination, wherever that may be, and lead as much of an independent life as is possible.

Mr Lake was greeted by manager Caroline Wilson at its headquarters in Bwlchygroes. The Ceredigion MP was keen to learn more about the organisation and Caroline spoke to him about a number of challenges currently facing community transport - namely the lack of funding and volunteers and the more serious and recent threat due to the Department of Transport’s proposed permit changes.

He went for a ride around Cardigan on one of the Green Dragon Bus services to speak with passengers who explained how the service is a lifeline to many of them who cannot access public transport.

“Mr Lake was very interested to hear about how our service works and how important our funding is for maintaining the service,” said Caroline.

“Our customers tell us that the service we offer them is vital: we provide an affordable, convenient, safe and comfortable service to take them to the shops, to hospital appointments, to see friends and take part in social activities – the journeys that many of us take for granted.

“For some of the passengers this is the only time each week they can escape from their homes – a vital service which helps them keep a little independence for as long as possible.”

Mr Lake said: “We know the immense value of community transport. It offers benefits other than simply transporting people from door-to-door.

“It meets unmet need, generates social value and provides a lifeline to people who may otherwise be cut off from friends, family, work, education, social activities and essential appointments due to disability or geography.”