Community Transport

Sustainable innovative solutions to limited or non-existent Public Transport

Transport and access to services is a key issue for many individuals and communities in rural areas of the SE of England.  

Community transport schemes encourage alternative transport solutions to reduce the use of the car and provide a range of transport services to individuals, community groups and voluntary organisations. They promote social inclusion and help rural communities' access employment, retail, health & care facilities, education, leisure and social activities. The schemes operate using conventional minibuses or wheelchair accessible minibuses or cars. Charges for transport vary and depend on the policy for each scheme. These schemes take a number of forms, are non-profit making and designed to meet the needs of those who cannot access public transport, who need a tailor made service or who simply live in an isolated community far from existing public transport routes.

How can the SERCC Accessibility & Community Transport Officers in your area help you?

If you are a Community Group or a Parish or Town Council they can assist you in:-

• Selecting the most appropriate type of scheme for your needs
• Help you build the necessary partnerships and advise on sources of funding to develop the project
• Publicity and promotion
• Identifying training needs and provide information on current legal, technical and operational matters
• Work with you to overcome difficulties associated with transport provision, especially in rural areas

Examples of community transport schemes include:

• Volunteer car schemes
• Community minibus schemes
• Shopmobility schemes
• Taxi buses
• Dial a ride schemes
• Wheels to Work schemes
• Walking Buses
• Quiet Lanes

For further advice and support from the SERCC Accessibility & Community Transport Officer in your area click on the County Links on the navigation bar above.

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