Beryl and Jobcentre Plus have announced a partnership to support young people on the UK Government’s Kickstart Scheme with an affordable, sustainable and enjoyable transport option.
The new travel initiative will allow anyone on the Kickstart Scheme across the Isle of Wight to access discounted journey options – to and from work – through Beryl’s bike share and e-Scooter hire scheme.
Beryl is currently rolled out in Ryde, Newport, East Cowes and Cowes.
Anyone on the Kickstart Scheme on the Isle of Wight can now talk to their Work Coach to find out about using Beryl bikes and e-Scooters potentially entirely free for the first month of their placement and will be able to access discounted travel for the remainder of their placement.
To access the discounted travel, users need to download the Beryl App to their smartphone and complete the sign-up process. Then speak to their Work Coach who can provide a minute bundle that can be activated in the app and about financial support to pay for the £1.50 unlock fee. To ride a Beryl e-Scooter, users must have a valid UK driving licence. All rides must finish in a Beryl Bay, otherwise users will be charged the relevant fee.
Beryl CEO Philip Ellis said:
“Inadequate transport is a barrier to employment opportunities for thousands of people across the UK, and we’re proud to partner with Jobcentre Plus to tackle this issue. Not only can commuting costs make up a large percentage of someone’s income but it can often be a very monotonous journey. Providing young people with free and discounted trips across our bike and e-Scooter schemes will allow them to travel in an enjoyable and convenient way which can make a huge difference to their mental, physical and financial wellbeing.”
Kerrie Honey, Employer & Partnership Manager for the Isle of Wight said:
“We are really excited about working with Beryl on this project. Helping to remove barriers, like the travel costs to a new job or providing an alternative to public transport, really helps our customers move in to work quickly. This is even more important for our younger customers on a Kickstart placement as this may be their first job”.
Sounds great in principle, but i still see them using pavements.
Yes, like all transport, only takes a few idiots to mess up it for others. Chatting to a nipper over the summer. He uses his for work etc. Cheaper than a car and green. But he was a bit fed up with the old gits passing judgment without even speaking to him. Money saved allowed him to save for UNI.
How are these e-scooters COVID secure?
When was the COVID risk assessment done and where was it published.
It seems all normal privately owned businesses have a list of COVID guidelines that must be completed.
However as this is in partnership with the council they have NOTHING!
One person get off and another gets on, no sanitising, no cleaning, no need for gloves etc.
Why not?
The covid guidelines are on their website, and in the app, (including what YOUR responsibilities are) I have a bay near me and regularly see Beryl staff cleaning and sanitising. And its not “in partnership” with the ecouncil, its private and autonomous.
And I would wager you are at less chance of catching covid on a scooter that crammed into other forms of public transport.
Should there not be bike/scooter lanes to cut the risks. Are the riders insured?