ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the contribution made by a voluntary sector based project towards mobility as a human right. The project in question is Birmingham Community Transport which between February 1983 and September 1988 encompassed three units:- Project Operations, Ring and Ride, and Research and Development Unit. These 3 units developed their activities and grew in size over the period and now operate as totally separate entities although they still work in close liaison with each other. Project Operations has always adopted a policy of investigating the transport needs of disadvantaged people, and where possible tried to design services to meet these needs. Ring and Ride was first established in November 1983. Background work on areas of need, size of area, eligibility, type of vehicle had already been researched by the National Advisory Unit. The decision to use specially adapted Mercedes 370D’s was made, and these were to be converted to ’a much higher standard than conventional welfare type vehicles.
