A SCHEME that helps Wirral people overcome transport barriers that are preventing them getting back into work is going from strength to strength.

Wirral Travel Solutions has recently taken delivery of a further ten 50cc scooters to bring the total to 20. People can borrow the scooters for up to six months for a small fee.

The scooter scheme is one of the ways in which Travel Solutions is helping jobseekers increase their chances of gaining employment.

Having their own method of transport means they can possibly take a job further afield than they would otherwise consider or accept one that involved starting or finishing at times when there is no public transport operating.

Other forms of assistance they offer are a one month travel pass, a ‘bike to work’ scheme, personalised journey planning or travel training. The latter is particularly useful for people who haven’t accessed public transport for a while.

Since December 2011, Wirral Travel Solutions have provided more than 550 travel passes, 180 bicycles and 46 people have borrowed scooters.

Councillor Harry Smith, cabinet member for Streetscene and transport services, said: “The help on offer through the Travel Solutions scheme provides a real lifeline for some people who are looking for work.

“It really opens up the job market for them as it enables restrictions such as travel time, distance and cost to be removed when they first start work.”

If you are interested in a scooter or any of the travel solutions mentioned you can call the team on 0151 606 2049, email them on team@wirraltravelsolutions.org