Community Transport is specifically designed to help those who are unable to use public transport. This may be because of age, disability or lack of a public transport service. The services are provided by non-profit making organisations (voluntary organisations). These organisations receive partial funding from the county council.
Community Transport typically falls under one of the four categories listed below:
Voluntary Car Schemes
These operate with volunteer drivers using their own vehicles to take passengers to pre-booked destinations. These are often for medical appointments, but can also be for other reasons.
The schemes typically operate through an annual membership fee. The passenger then pays the driver for any trips - this is calculated on mileage.
Passengers book a journey in advance with the scheme co-ordinator who matches up the travel requirement with the drivers available. Drivers collect passengers from their home, taking them to their appointment and returning them back home.
Minibus Group Hire
Minibus group hire schemes make wheelchair-accessible minibuses available to local community groups at affordable rates. This can be with or without a driver.
Community Minibuses
Local volunteers are used to provide regular, scheduled bus services based on local need. These help people who live in more remote or isolated communities.
Dial a Ride
Dial a Ride schemes help people to shop and use local amenities, such as a Post Office, Bank, etc. Vehicles can normally accommodate wheelchairs.
Passengers need to register with the service in their area to book a journey in advance (by telephoning their local scheme before they wish to travel and are picked up at their door).
Community Transport Schemes in Northamptonshire
Details of the Community Transport Schemes in Northamptonshire 2008 can be found on the link below:
You can find contact telephone numbers as well as internet addresses, where applicable.
Each scheme has it's own eligibility criteria, some some schemes accommodate medical appointment only, others include social trips. Annual membership is generally no more than £15.00. Some schemes can also accept concessionary bus passes.
The maps below show coverage of Community Transport across the County, and also for individual Districts.