Bristol Community transport

County advice overview

Community transport in Bristol 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

Accessible Transport 4 U Group

www.accessibletransport4u.org.uk

Call 0117 965 7449 for the Accessible Transport Advice Service (ATAS)

Bristol Community Transport

bristolcommunitytransport.org

The annual membership is £10 per person per year for Dial-A-Ride and £10 per year per person for shopping trips

Dial-A-Ride Services

Members can book a door-to-door service in a fully accessible vehicle to go anywhere within Bristol.   This service is operated by Community Transport in partnership with The Big Lemon.  To book, please call 01172447337.

Shopping Services

Door-to-door shopping services are provided in the following Bristol postcodes:

BS2, BS3, BS5, BS6, BS7, BS8, BS9, BS10, BS11, BS15, BS16.

• Tuesday: BS6 & BS7 to Tesco, Golden Hill
• Wednesday: BS16 to Morrisons, Fishponds (am & pm)
• Thursday: BS8, BS9, and BS11 to Tesco, Golden Hill
• Friday: BS5 to Morrisons, Fishponds

Community Centres

Door-to-door shopping services are provided in the following Bristol postcodes:

BS2, BS3, BS5, BS6, BS7, BS8, BS9, BS10, BS11, BS15, BS16.

A weekly service operates to the following community centres:

• Monday: Malcolm X Centre
• Monday: Greenway Centre
• Monday: BS3 Community Centre
• Thursday: Salvation Army

These services are operated by Community Transport in partnership with The Big Lemon.  To book or join, please call 01172447337.

Lawrence Weston Community Transport (LWCT)

lawrencewestoncommunitytransport.com

LWCT provides low cost and essential transport to disabled individuals and other community/charity groups around Bristol.

Contact: 0117 329 4647

Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 1.00pm.

CATT Community Bus (Hartcliffe and Withywood)

hwcp.org.uk

A fully accessible bus service for members based in South Bristol. It offers services to local shops, health and community centres, dentists and the leisure complex. Day trips can be arranged to Weston Super Mare, Bourton on the Water, or Clarks Village. 

Services are only open to members over the age of 16. Annual membership costs apply.  

Some services are free to Bristol City Council bus pass holders.

Contact: 0117 377 3451 or thecattbus@hwcp.org.uk

Sprint Community Transport

www.iccfc.co.uk

Providing door-to-door transport within Filwood , Inns Court and Knowle.

Regular local trips are provided in wheelchair-accessible minibuses for shopping, the doctors, hairdressers, social clubs and monthly trips outside the area. 

Contact: 0117 904 8215 or sprint@iccfc.co.uk

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.