Cumbria 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 and 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 you must register for the service and have a Smartcard. 

Not all schemes can take you to hospital appointments or day care centres. These appointments should be arranged by your doctor, the hospital or social services.

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

Rural Wheels

Covers: Allerdale, Barrow, Carlisle, Copeland, Eden and South Lakeland.

Door-to-door transport for people who are unable to access scheduled transport or are unable to access a volunteer driver. Services can be used for making connections with buses or trains, medical appointments, hospital visits, shopping or visiting friends and family. 

The service uses a Smartcard system to pay for travel and booking systems which can be topped up at several venues. 

Apply for Rural Wheels via this link or contact 01228 226430. 

Village Wheels

Covers:  Anthorn, Wigton, Longcroft, Angerton, Kirkbride. Newton Arlosh, Powhill, Oulton, Ulverston, Gleason Scales, The Urswicks, Milthorpe, Levens, Carlisle, Ratten Row Durdar, Rocliffe, Cargo, Seascale, Egremont, Gosforth, Ponsonby, Calder Bridge, Beckermet, Wigton, Uldale and Ireby.

Village Wheels provides a timetabled service for communities to their nearest town and uses the Rural Wheels membership scheme as above. Booking and areas covered can be provided on request.

To apply contact: 01228 226430.

Community Wheels

Community Wheels is also part of the Rural Wheels scheme and provides a service in areas not covered by other bus services. Passengers need to be registered with the Rural Wheels scheme and fares are paid for using the Smartcard System.

The Smartcard for older or disabled people can be applied for by using this link or by calling the helpline on 0300 123 6737. You may also be able to apply for a Companion Pass if you need someone to travel with you.

Caldbeck Community Wheels

Covers: Milburn, Silverband, Knock, Dufton, Appleby, Sandford, Warcop, Ormside, Asby, Barrowmoor, Scattergate, Brampton and Long Marton.

Warcop/Milburn Community Wheels

Covers: Asby, Dufton, Long Martin, Ormside, Sandford and Silverband.
Contact: 0333 240 6965 (option 5) or 07788 396194 (mobile).

Travel costs

Community transport schemes are 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.

Costs are variable for each service and information can be found on their websites or by contacting them by phone.

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.