City of York Council has commissioned an in-depth review of community transport arrangements in York.

The review, which has been carried out by consultants Northgate Kendric Ash, covers transport arrangements for vulnerable children and adults, children getting to schools and people with disabilities.

Funding was obtained from the Regional Assembly and the Regional Centre of Excellence to carry out an initial analysis of the current arrangements, and this showed that there is significant potential for improvement and greater efficiency. This initial study also looked at the scope for collaborative work with other partners, such as East Riding of Yorkshire Council and NHS Trusts.

After giving a presentation to the council's Corporate Services EMAP (Executive Member and Advisory Panel) in December, Northgate Kendric Ash was asked to carry out a more detailed review and work up some proposals for improvements and enhanced efficiency. The firm's work will be overseen by the council's Director of Housing and Adult Social Services, Bill Hodson, and is due to be implemented during the next two to three years.

Bill Hodson said: "The council has entered into a long-term partnership with a company that has a successful track record in achieving efficiencies in community transport. This will give the council options about enhancing services in an affordable way.

"It is vital that we get things right as transport is so important to the independence of many people in the community, so we will be implementing changes in a systematic way over a reasonable period of time."

One of the next steps is for Northgate Kendric Ash to draw up a list of preferred suppliers of transport services to ensure that the council is using the most appropriate forms of transport for its customers at the most competitive prices. In addition to this, the firm will be looking at how the council can get the most out of its own fleet of vehicles and through the formation of partnership working arrangements with other local authorities and NHS organisations.