Darlington'S new taxi service for the disabled will be launched on March 18.
Called Ring-a-Ride, the service will be funded by the council and run by Darlington and District Youth and Community Association.
The service will use a purpose-made 16-seater bus and a smaller minibus, driven by professional paid drivers.
The council has agreed to give a total of £75,000 which includes £45,000 to cover starting-up costs and funding until the end of March 2003, and £30,000 to buy vehicles.
Ring-a-Ride will be open from 8.30 to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and available on weekends by arrangement.
A contact telephone number for the new service will be made public ahead of the launch date and a full review of the service will be made within its first three months in consultation with users.
Ring-a-Ride replaces the defunct Dial-a-Ride which closed suddenly last week due to financial difficulties.
The charity's finances are being investigated by the Charities Commission and the police
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