County Durham community transport

County advice overview

Local community transport 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.

All vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Safety-trained drivers will help you to board and with anything else you need on your journey.

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

Not all schemes can take you to hospital appointments or day care centres. These appointments can be arranged by your doctor, the hospital or social services. You can find more information on the Durham County Council website.

Key tips

Give yourself plenty of time to plan your journey. You may wish to consider:

• Many community transport schemes require you to register beforehand to use the service
• At the time of booking, inform the travel provider of any mobility and accessibility needs you may have
• Plan ahead – consider what support you may need upon reaching your destination
• Do you wish to take mobility equipment with you? It may be possible to hire a wheelchair or scooter, for example, once you have reached your destination, from an organisation such as ShopMobility

Remember that your local Hubs Mobility Advice Service will be happy to help signpost you to the correct community transport operator and organisations.

Regional operators

Tees Valley Rural Action

https://teesvalleyruralaction.co.uk/community-transport/

Areas Covered: Redcar, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington & Hartlepool
Offer a community wheelchair-accessible minibus scheme.
Contact: 01642 213852

Dene Valley Community Transport Ltd

https://www.denevalleycommunitytransport.co.uk/

Areas covered: County Durham
Dene Valley Community Transport is based on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland. They provide minibus transport to various community, social and sports groups, as well as medical appointments. They specialise in wheelchair accessibility. Membership is required to use the service. 
Contact: 01388 417740 (Mobile: 07966 110392) 

East Durham Community Transport Ltd

http://www.edct.co.uk/

Areas covered: County Durham
East Durham Community Transport have a fleet of minibuses that can be hired for groups with or without a driver.  
Contact: 07826 867 862

Easington Lane Community Access Point (ELCAP)

https://www.elcap.org.uk/transport/

Areas covered:  County Durham
ELCAP provides a service to a range of local community groups including lunch clubs, disability groups, youth clubs, churches and Residents’ Associations.
They also offer a door-to-door Shopping Bus Service, collecting passengers at a pre-arranged time and date, taking them to a relevant supermarket and returning them home. 
Contact: 0191 526 1071

Travel costs

Community transport costs can vary depending on the service provided. 

Many schemes are run by not-for-profit organisations and only charge based on their actual operating costs. So, the fare you pay will be competitive with public transport costs in most cases. Fares are much cheaper than taxis and there is sometimes a reduced rate for bus pass holders.

Check with the individual provider when booking your trip, or browse their website, to receive an estimate of costs.

Special assistance

Assistance is variable for each service. Information can be found on an operator’s website or by contacting them by telephone.

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 are wheelchair accessible, although may have limited capacity for wheelchairs. 

Voluntary car schemes often require passengers to be able to transfer independently. Some can stow foldable wheelchairs and aids.