MAYOR HANDS OVER NEW FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES FOR "RIDE & DRIVE" IN WOLVERHAMPTON

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 11 March, 2009 – The Mayor of Wolverhamtpon, Cllr Christine Mills, unveiled seven newly converted Ford Transit minibuses this week for the West Midlands "Ring & Ride" service.

Ring & Ride provides a free door-to-door, minibus service for people of all ages who find it difficult to use ordinary public transport. Ring & Ride also undertake many trips to and from schools for children with disabilities, and has over the years become a regular sight on the region's roads.

The 9,500 users of the Ring & Ride service will now enjoy more comfort and convenience with electronic tail lifts, folding steps and up to four wheelchair passengers travelling at the same time. The Ring & Ride fleet has 316 adapted vehicles available to its customers.

Chris Rogers, sales manager at Evans Halshaw, Wolverhampton, said: "We tendered for this Ring & Ride deal and it is fantastic to see it come to fruition.  It is the first time they have used Transit minibuses and positive driver feedback was a key part of the decision making process. With the backing of our in-house contract hire division, we were able to provide a monthly fixed cost including service and maintenance."

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "The Ford commercial vehicle network is the backbone of our operation.

Customers like Ring & Ride can see the strengths of a 'one-top-shop' dealer who attends to every aspect of their needs: from prices and conversions to offering local servicing and maintenance. This approach demonstrates how good dealer service combined with a great product can benefit everyone in the community."