Lancashire Community transport

County advice overview

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

Ring and Ride and Community Transport Association 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 you may need to 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.

Operators

Dial-A-Ride accessible minibus services are available via several providers across Lancashire, for people who are unable to use, or do not have access to regular bus services. 

Dial-A-Ride West Lancashire

www.wldar.org.uk

Provide a number of regular scheduled services for local shopping and community clubs. You can request to be added to the passenger list and they can collect from your home.

Contact: 01704 893373

Dial-A-Ride Central Lancashire

www.centrallancashiredialaride.co.uk

A door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible minibus service which can be used for shopping, healthcare and social visits.

Contact: 01257 260488

Dial-A-Ride Preston

www.prestonct.org.uk

A door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible minibus service which can be used for shopping, healthcare and social visits. Bookings are taken with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.

Contact: 01772 204667

Dial-A-Ride Ribble Valley

www.littlegreenbus.org.uk

A door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible minibus service which can be used for shopping, healthcare and social visits. Bookings are taken with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.

Contact: 01200 444484

For further information regarding Dial-A-Ride schemes in Lancashire, visit the Lancashire Community Transport 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. 

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