WITH some Beechworth residents still being left in dire straits with little or no access to transport without a taxi service in the town, a member of the senior citizens’ club is exploring options for a solution.

The Beechworth-based taxi service shut down early last year with only a short start up followed by the service folding.

The lack of a taxis in the town has prompted ongoing calls for a vital expanded transport service.

Beechworth Senior Citizen’s Club member Geri Boland said she is bringing together information on existing services with the aim of exploring feasible options.

“I'm mainly interested in short trips around town for people who can no longer drive, but I'm also exploring options for longer trips to Wodonga or Wangaratta for appointments,” she said.

Among them are trips to non-medical destinations such as the supermarket, hairdresser, visiting friends and the vet for pet owners.

Others include attending local clubs and organisations for those who can no longer drive and who wish to remain independent.

Ms Boland said existing services appear to be linked to home care packages.

“There are people in town who aren't on packages but can no longer drive," she said.

“I'm looking at all options and I'm mainly interested in something that would replace the taxi service that we could organise with volunteers."

Ms Boland said she is also researching the use of community cars used in the past.

For Beechworth resident Christine Calthorpe, not having a taxi in town was a huge challenge.

Ms Calthorpe relied on a taxi for short trips after having a fall.

“My sister drives me wherever I need to go and she's not going to be able to do that for much longer due to her age,” she said.

Ms Calthorpe said she also lives with a disability and is registered with NDIS.

“I have a support worker who takes me grocery shopping on a Friday,” she said.

“For me it’s about short trips as I volunteer at the op shop, and it's about getting there and getting home.”

Ms Boland looks forward to receiving feedback and suggestions from the community as she continues to research viable options for the benefit of the community.

She can be contacted via the Beechworth Senior Citizens Club email address at beechworth.scc@gmail.com.