North London Community transport 

County advice overview

Some London residents are eligible for the Dial-a-Ride service (door-to-door transport), whilst many of the 32 wards have community transport schemes which often rely on volunteers.  

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.

Not all vehicles are wheelchair accessible. You will need to check when booking if you require assistance or are travelling with mobility equipment. Where services do offer accessible vehicles, their driver or assistant will be appropriately trained.

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

Schemes are provided by not-for-profit organisations and only charge based on 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. 

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. 
• Ring in advance to check a scheme’s eligibility criteria. You normally need to be a resident of the borough and will have to register in advance before travelling. A membership fee sometimes applies, in addition to travel costs. 
• At the time of booking, inform the provider of any accessibility needs you may have and which mobility equipment you intend to travel with. Some buses may only have space for one wheelchair. Some schemes offer a free space for a carer or companion. 
• 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 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 

London Dial-a-Ride 

tfl.gov.uk 

A door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible minibus scheme run by Transport for London (TfL) for London residents with mobility impairments. Services include leisure and shopping trips but are not suitable for medical appointments or work journeys. 

The scheme operates 7:00am – 10:00pm, seven days a week.  

Contact: 0343 222 7777 or dar.reservations@tfl.gov.uk

You are eligible to apply for free membership if you are:  

• over the age of 85 
• on higher rate Attendance Allowance
• on standard or higher rate mobility aspect of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 
• on higher rate mobility aspect of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) 
• registered blind or partially sighted 
• a London taxi card member 
• receive a War Pension supplement 

If none of the above apply and you have difficulty walking, you can still make an application via your local authority who may offer a mobility assessment. 

When applying for membership you will be asked if you use mobility equipment and if you have any special requirements. You will be asked for the make and model of any mobility equipment to check it can be transported. Assistance to help someone from their front door to the vehicle can be provided, if required. 

London borough schemes  

Disablement Association of Barking and Dagenham 

A door-to-door transport service with fully accessible vehicles transporting people of all ages with limited mobility including wheelchair users, scooter users and people needing a stretcher or oxygen facilities. Assistance is provided to shops, clinics or doctor’s appointments, journeys to school, work or social visits. 

Prices can be quoted for individual destinations and you can also book Passenger Assistants in advance (at extra cost). You must belong to DABD’s passenger transport membership scheme to use the service. You can register for this when you book your journey or in advance. DABD also provide information and advice on all local transport services available and the cheapest option for you. 

Contact: 03300542500 or transport@dabd.org.uk   

Ealing

Ealing Community Transport
PlusBus door-to-door transport, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles, for people who are unable to use public transport or have mobility difficulties. Journeys can be within the borough of Ealing and to medical appointments. ECT also provide some services for London Dial-a-Ride in Ealing. Contact: 0208 8133210

Hillingdon

Hillingdon Community Transport
Offer a door-to-door shopping bus on set days. A small fee applies. Contact: 01895 277 773

Kensington and Chelsea 

Westway Community Transport
Provide a regular Flexibus minibus shopping service for those who cannot access public transport easily or struggle to carry bags. You must live in the borough and register as a member. Fees apply. Contact: 0208 964 1114

Community transport Waltham Forest 

Door-to-door shopping services, direct to supermarkets, are provided for residents of Waltham Forest who cannot use public transport. Vehicles are fully accessible for wheelchairs and small scooters. A small charge and registration fees apply. Carers are able to travel for free. There is also an Excursion Club available for days out.

Contact: 0208 521 0665 or info@ctwf.co.uk 

Community Transport Newham

Provide a door-to-door shopping service to Canning Town South, plus an Excursion Club and a Sunday Loneliness Club. An annual membership fee applies and charges for mileage.

Contact: 0208 521 0665 or info@ctwf.co.uk 

Community Transport Tower Hamlets

This scheme is not operating currently, although the Trustees hope to resume some services in 2023.

Contact: 0208 521 0665 or info@ctwf.co.uk 

Westminster 

Westway Community Transport
Community transport for older and disabled people who live in Westminster. Services including regular shopping trips in a minibus, for those who cannot access public transport easily or need help to carry shopping bags. You must live in the borough and register as a member. Fees apply. Contact: 0208 9641114

Travel costs 

Most Community Transport Schemes require an annual membership fee.  

Some providers accept concessionary bus passes as payment for journeys.  

Others can only provide discounted transport for passengers with a bus pass and ask for a set fee per journey.  

Special assistance 

Please check with your community transport provider as to which assistance they can offer you. Information can be found on the provider’s website or by contacting them by telephone. 

Some services provide a care assistant who can help with shopping bags and see you to your door on the return journey. 

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

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 will be able to take wheelchair users and may offer ramp or lift access. Some providers will require the make and model of your wheelchair before you travel, and others will accept mobility scooters.