Greater Manchester Community transport

County advice overview

Community transport in Greater Manchester helps to connect residents without access to conventional transport and from isolated rural locations, to surrounding areas.

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.

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

Ring and Ride (Transport for Greater Manchester)

tfgm.com/public-transport/ring-and-ride-minibuses

Ring and Ride is a service for people who find it difficult or are unable to access the general transport network. You can book a Ring & Ride accessible minibus to take you, and an accompanying adult, door to door for journeys of up to 6 miles in Greater Manchester. Drivers are trained in passenger assistance and theminibuses are suitable for wheelchairs. 

This service operates between 8.00am – 10.45pm, Monday to Saturday, and 8.00am to 10.25pm, Sunday.

Contact: 0161 200 6011

Local Link

tfgm.com/public-transport/bus/local-link

A flexible minibus service for local journeys in areas where public transport services are limited. Book your journey between 1 hour and 7 days before you want to travel. Check postcode eligibility and register via the link above.

Contact TfGM on 0161 244 1000.

Bolton Community Transport

theburydirectory.co.uk/services/bolton-community-transport-bctfs

A fleet of 5 fully wheelchair accessible minibuses for anyone in the Bury area.

Contact: 01204 364777

Miles of Smiles (Tameside)

www.actiontogether.org.uk/miles-smiles-volunteer

A community transport scheme operating for use by residents of Tameside where volunteer drivers use their own cars and the Miles of Smiles wheelchair accessible vehicle to take people to and from health and wellbeing appointments.

Contact: 0161 339 2345

Driven

wearedriven.co.uk

A charitable door to door transport scheme supporting vulnerable and isolated people in the Wigan Borough.

Contact: 01942 409602     

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. 

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