Northumberland community transport

County Advice Overview

Local 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.

All vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Safety-trained drivers will help you to board and with anything else you need on your journey.

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

Not all schemes can take you to hospital appointments or day care centres. These appointments can be arranged by your doctor, the hospital or social services.

Key tips

Give yourself plenty of time to plan your journey. You may wish to consider:

• Many community transport schemes require you to register beforehand to use the service
• At the time of booking, inform the travel provider of any mobility and accessibility needs you may have
• Plan ahead – consider what support you may need upon reaching your destination
• Do you wish to take mobility equipment with you? It may be possible to hire a wheelchair or scooter, for example, once you have reached your destination, from an organisation such as ShopMobility

Remember that your local Hubs Mobility Advice Service will be happy to help signpost you to the correct community transport operator and organisations.

Regional operators

Adapt North East

Areas covered: Northumberland.

People eligible to access this scheme include disabled people, elderly people, single women or women who live alone, children and young adults, people receiving certain benefits, those who are geographically isolated. 

Adapt North East provide different routes on different days, with a £5.00 membership. For individual fees and set route prices, visit the website or call 01434 600599. 

Adapt North East also offer a Getabout Car Scheme with a volunteer driver, for people who have difficulty getting around Northumberland. You will need to register for the service and there is a fee of £6 which lasts for a six-month period. Once registered, the cost for your journey is 50p per mile. For further information, call 03333 441 740.

Dial-a-Ride Service

A scheduled door-to-door bus service, taking you to a specific destination.

The service covers the following areas and days available: 

• Allenheads – Hexham (Wednesday) 
• Blanchland – Hexham (Tuesday) 
• Corbridge – Hexham (Friday) 
• Haltwhistle – Hexham (Wednesday) 
• Hexham area (Wednesdays and Friday) 
• Hexhamshire – Hexham (Friday) 
• Heddon on-the-Wall – Hexham (Wednesday) 
• Ponteland – Morpeth (Thursday)
• Prudhoe – Hexham (Tuesday) 
• Stocksfield – Prudhoe (Friday) 
• Ponteland area (Friday). 

Further information can be found on the Adapt North East website or call 01434 600599.

Bell View

Areas covered: Northumberland.

Bell View has a wheelchair community transport scheme, called ‘Bringo’, which supports older people who do not have access to transport. Membership is £12 per year and a donation is made for any journeys undertaken. Trips include visits to the doctor, optician, hairdresser. 

Bell View also has a fully accessible minibus for shopping trips and visits.

More information can be found on the Bell View website or by calling: 01668 219220.

Northumberland CVA

Provides the Assisted Shopping Scheme for elderly and disabled people in South East Northumberland. Services can include trips to the bank, post office, shops, health and leisure pursuits.

Covers the towns of Ashington, Newbiggin and Bedlington areas, and the Manor Walks Shopping Centre in Cramlington.

Contact: 01670 858688 or email enquire@northumberlandcva.org.uk

Watbus

Offer an assisted shopping service in conjunction with Northumberland CVA. Trips include the bank, post office, shops, health and leisure pursuits.

NEED

Offer a variety of services including an Alnwick door-to-door car scheme to help people get to appointments, social events and shopping. Plus, a service for individuals or families who may require accessible transport.

For information and prices, contact 01665 605780 or email: administration@needltd.co.uk

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.

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.