North Somerset Community transport

County advice overview

Community transport in North Somerset helps to connect residents without access to conventional transport and from isolated rural locations, to surrounding areas. It is provided by a mixture of charities, County Council funding and community groups.

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.

Most vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and details of routes, trips and prices can be obtained by contacting the provider.

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

Weston and District Community Transport Ltd

www.wdct.uk

Minibuses are fully accessible and can accommodate most manual and electric wheelchairs. Dial-a-ride services include regular shopping routes and monthly outings. Annual membership costs apply.

Contact: 01934 644 373 or bookings@wdct.co.uk

Congresbury Community Transport

congresbury.net

Offer a wheelchair-accessible minibus for shopping and other social trips.

Contact: 01934 257247 or bookings@congresburycommunitytransport.co.uk

Nailsea and District Community Transport

ndct.co.uk

Provide a door-to-door, dial-a-ride transport service for shopping, health and leisure trips. Minibuses are fully accessible for wheelchair users serving residents of Nailsea, Clevedon, Portishead, Backwell, Long Ashton, Failand and the surrounding areas. Membership fees and fares apply.

Contact: 01275 855552

Wrington Minibus Society

Offer a wheelchair-accessible minibus scheme for residents and organisations.

Areas covered: Wrington, Redhill, Butcombe and Burrington.

Contact: 01934 862 953 or 01934 862 303

Winford Parish Community Transport

www.winfordpc.org.uk

A minibus scheme offering shopping trips and outings. Covers Winford and the surrounding area.

Contact: 01275 472 440 or longenjp@btopenworld.com

Blagdon Valley Minibus

Provide a community minibus serving groups and organisations in the Blagdon area. The minibus is not wheelchair accessible.

Contact: 01761 463 450

Churchill and Langford Minibus Society

www.churchillpc.org.uk

A door-to-door minibus service with regular trips to Weston and Clevedon, plus occasional trips to Winscombe. Covers Churchill and Langford areas.  

Contact: 01934 852 589

Ring and Ride Chew Valley

www.chewmagna.org.uk

This service is for Chew Valley residents with medical needs who cannot access other transport. You can use the service for journeys to hospital, doctors and other medical appointments. Covers the villages of the Chew Valley, Dundry, Felton and Clutton areas (excluding Winford and Blagdon).

Contact: 01761 418097 or 01761 417504

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.