The PickMeUp service in High Wycombe has been an absolute lifeline for many of us in the community. It is not just a transportation option; it is a vital service that caters to children, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. The convenience of getting picked up directly from our locations, combined with the ease of booking via telephone or a simple app, has transformed how we navigate our daily lives.

For families with young children, the hassle-free, door-to-door service ensures that we can safely commute without the added stress of coordinating public transport that doesn’t meet our needs. For seniors and people with disabilities, PickMeUp provides a level of ease and independence that conventional bus services fail to offer. Its reliability has consistently outperformed regular bus services, which are often late or inconvenient, if they run at all.

However, due to the government withdrawing funding for this scheme, the service will be discontinued at the start of November, leaving many of us stranded and struggling to manage our daily commutes. This is particularly concerning given that public transport in our town is limited and often doesn’t operate at times that meet the needs of our community.

According to a report by the Community Transport Association, tailored transport services like PickMeUp improve overall quality of life by reducing reliance on personal cars, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and pollution. High Wycombe is no exception, and losing such a service will not only impact the individuals who rely on it daily but also the wider community that benefits indirectly from its usage.

We urge the local council and service providers to consider the impact of terminating PickMeUp in High Wycombe. Instead, let's explore potential solutions to keep it operating. This could include funding strategies that involve local businesses, public subsidies, or even community-driven crowd-funding efforts to cover operational costs. Maintaining this flexible, efficient, and inclusive transport service should be a priority that reflects the town’s commitment to supporting all its residents.

We believe that by working together, we can come up with a sustainable plan to ensure PickMeUp continues to be a part of our community. Join me in preserving this critical service. Please sign this petition to let our voices be heard and save PickMeUp in High Wycombe.