Local retired grandmother, Margo Kirk, runs the Bus2Go service in Dorset. Unhappy with the lack of local bus services in her local area, Margo decided to start her own, launching Bus2Go in 2012 in partnership with Dorset Community Transport.
Bus2Go is an all-inclusive, door-to-door service, which enables everyone to participate regardless of age or mobility limitations. Bus2Go transports local people from Milborne St Andrew and surrounding villages on day trips to shopping centres, lunches, Garden Centres, Theatres and places of interest, including , the New Forest, Donkey Sanctuary, Swanage Steam Railway, Buckham Fair (Martin Clunes Farm) and Seaton Tramway.
Barbara Newton, Bus2Go passenger, said: “Bus2Go is a great asset to Milborne St Andrew and the surrounding area. Margo does an excellent job – if it were not for her and Dorset Community Transport, there would be no Bus2Go and we would not be able to get out and about”.
She continued: “My sister and I lost our husbands five years ago – getting involved with Bus2Go helped us overcome our loneliness, making lots of new friends and getting in touch with old school pals, which brings back lots of memories. Our grandchildren often join us too on shopping outings – the bus really is there for everyone.”
Margo Kirk, Bus2Go Project Leader, said: ”I am so thrilled, it is wonderful for the project to be acknowledged. It has its own rewards, seeing so many smiling happy faces and hearing the chatter from the passengers. Thanks to DCT – we could not do it without them. Living in the countryside has its advantages, but getting around can be problematic, especially when people grow older, can no longer driveor have impaired mobility.”
Anna Whitty, CEO of ECT Charity, said: “It’s great to be able to work in partnership with local people to reduce social isolation in rural areas, and to have that work recognised. The work that Margo and the community around Milborne St Andrew do deserves to be rewarded. We are proud to be associated with Bus2Go and would love to see this community transport partnership replicated in other villages especially where there are no regular local bus services. ”
For more information on the Bus2Go service and how to book a journey, please email bus2go@btinternet.com, or call Margo Kirk on her landline 01258 837749, or mobile 07917 298321. Alternatively, visit their Facebook page (Bus2Go Community Transport for Villages in the DT11 area) and/or follow them on Twitter (@bus2gonow).
