Derbyshire Community transport

County advice overview

Community transport in Derbyshire helps to connect residents without access to conventional transport to surrounding areas.

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

Derbyshire Connect

Weekly Derbyshire Connect services are available to shopping destinations, for people unable to use conventional public transport because of age, disability or because they live in areas where public transport is limited. 

All vehicles are accessible for wheelchairs. Concessionary Gold Card holders can use the service free of charge.

Derbyshire Connect North and East is run by Derbyshire Community Transport, in the north and east of Derbyshire. 

Contact: 01773 746652 or contact@derbyshirect.org

Derbyshire Connect South and West

Derbyshire Connect South and West is run by Ashbourne Community Transport, covering  the Derbyshire Dales, High Peak and South Derbyshire district and borough council areas.

Contact: 01335 300670 or info@ashbournect.org.uk

Derbyshire Connect Ashbourne and Wirksworth

Derbyshire Connect Ashbourne and Wirksworth is available for any passenger and any journey within and around Ashbourne, Wirksworth and the surrounding villages. The service is also provided by Ashbourne Community Transport.

Contact: 01335 300670 or info@ashbournect.org.uk

For information regarding further Derbyshire Connect schemes, visit the Derbyshire County Council website.

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.

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

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.