Bath and North East Somerset Community transport

County advice overview

Community transport in Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) helps to connect residents without access to conventional transport and from isolated rural locations, to surrounding areas. It is provided by a mixture of charities, County Council funding and community groups.

Dial-a-Ride and Call and Go schemes provide a bookable service for people who have problems accessing public transport. For example, if you live too far from a bus stop, find it difficult getting on and off public buses, or there is no bus service nearby.

You do not need to be registered disabled or use a wheelchair to be eligible but must register for the service.

Most vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and details of routes, trips and prices can be obtained by contacting the provider.

Key tips

It is important to plan your use of community transport in advance. Services are often run by volunteers and pre-booking is essential. You may wish to consider:

• Community transport providers are often in high demand, so it is best to book your journey several days in advance if you can.
• You may need to register with the service in advance of your first booking and a membership fee sometimes applies in addition to travel costs.
• At the time of booking, inform the provider of any mobility and accessibility needs you may have and which equipment you intend to travel with. 
• Some operators offer a discount or are even free with a valid bus pass, so it is worth obtaining one, if you are eligible, even if you never catch a regular bus.
• Not all Dial-a-Ride schemes can take you to hospital appointments or day care centres. These appointments can be arranged by your doctor, the hospital, social services, or you may be able to use a community car scheme.
• Community car schemes are run by volunteers and the drivers will take you to hospital and doctor’s appointments and usually wait with you for your appointment. Some community car schemes can also take you to the shops or other destinations.

Operators

Dial-a-Ride services

travelwest.info

Door-to-door, accessible minibus services for people who cannot use conventional public transport. Services can be used for shopping, appointments and community activities. Registration is required before booking. Costs apply but discounts are available to concessionary bus pass holders.

Dial-a-Ride services are available in:

Bath

Covers the area within the Bath city boundaries.  

Contact 01225 39 52 22 to register, before booking in advance for any journeys. Costs apply.

Keynsham and District

Covers Keynsham, Saltford, Whitchurch Village, Pensford, Publow, Compton Dando, Chewton Keynsham, Marksbury, Farmborough, Timsbury, Burnett, Newton St Loe and Corston.

Contact 01225 395628 to register, before booking any journeys.

Or email: admin@keynshamanddistrictdialaride.com.

Midsomer Norton and Radstock Dial-a-Ride

Contact 01761 417 504 or 01761 418 097

Other community transport services include:

Bath Community Transport

travelwest.info

Fully accessible minibuses are available to community groups based in Bath & North East Somerset.

Contact: 01225 832317 or bct.buses@bathct.org.uk.

Batheaston Neighbourhood Group

For people registered with Batheaston Surgery only. Transport services can be used for journeys to the hospital, doctor and other medical appointments. 

Contact: 01225 859843

Wellow Community Minibus

www.wellowparish.info

For residents of Wellow who cannot access conventional public transport and need to travel to and from Bath for shopping, medical appointments and other activities.  

Contact: 07900 163167 

Travel costs

Most Community Transport Schemes require an annual membership fee. 

Some providers accept concessionary bus passes as payment for journeys. 

Others can only provide discounted transport for passengers with a bus pass and ask for a set fee per journey. 

Special assistance

Please check with your community transport provider as to which assistance they can offer you. Information can be found on the provider’s website or by contacting them by telephone.

Some services provide a care assistant who can help with shopping bags and see you to your door on the return journey.

When booking any community transport in your area, be clear about your mobility and check in advance that the service can accommodate your requirements.

Travelling with mobility equipment

Check with the individual community transport scheme regarding travelling with mobility equipment.

Services vary depending on the type and size of equipment that can be carried, due to space.  

Most minibuses will be able to take wheelchair users and may offer ramp or lift access. Some providers will require the make and model of your wheelchair before you travel, and others will accept mobility scooters.