Oxfordshire Community transport 

County advice overview

There is an active community transport sector in Oxfordshire which 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.

To find out about specific community transport in your area, you can contact Oxfordshire County Council and the Community Transport Association for information.

Oxfordshire County Council 

Contact Community Transport | Oxfordshire County Council

Community Transport Association 

Organisation | Community Transport Association (ctauk.org)

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

Selected community transport operators

Oxfordshire County Council provide a list of various community transport schemes across Oxfordshire which can be browsed via the link below.

OurBus Bartons

Provides a scheduled weekday bus service along nine routes linking the local community with transport hubs in larger villages, health centres and supermarkets. 

Bus services are from Middle Barton, covering: Wooton, Woodstock, Begbroke, Yarnton, Kidlington, Oxford Parkway, Chipping Norton, Bicester, Deddington, Steeple Aston, Heyford station and Lower Heyford.

Contact: 01869 699 699

West Oxfordshire Community Transport (WOCT)

A community-owned co-operative running six bus routes across the district and providing vital transport links for the local community:

• 210 service: links Wychwood villages, Leafield and Crawley with Witney.  
• 213, 214 and 215 services: link the outlying areas of Witney with the town centre. 
• 345/355 services: link the northern and southern outskirts of Carterton with the town centre. 

Contact: 01993 630124

Ability CIC

Regular weekly on-demand bus services available across the communities of Northamptonshire and North Oxfordshire. Includes routes from the rural areas of Cherwell into Banbury centre, connecting residents with essential services and transport hubs. Concessionary bus pass holders travel free of charge.

Contact: 01327 604123 or admin@abilitycic.org.uk

The Oxford Comet

A bookable transport service for those who cannot access suitable public transport. The service is provided by Oxfordshire County Council and can be booked for any type of trip. The 16-seater vehicles are fully wheelchair accessible. Costs apply.

Contact: 01865 323201 to register.

Daybreak

Daybreak took over Aspire’s community transport bus service in 2022. Services are for people who find it difficult to use public transport and would like to get out, meet new people and enjoy shopping and social activities.

Contact: 01865 776744 or admin@daybreak-oxford.org.uk

Cutteslowe Wolvercote Wytham Community Transport

A not-for-profit travel club based in Oxfordshire. The service is managed by the CWW Co-operative Trust.

To apply to join the Travel Club and find out how to use the vehicle, email: cwwbookingagent@yahoo.co.uk

Octabus Dial-a-Ride

A door-to-door transport service for those who are unable or find it difficult to use public transport, such as elderly or disabled people. Drivers are trained in the assistance of wheelchair users and those with mobility problems.

You must live in the area served by Octabus to use the service. (Anywhere in the area covered by Oxford City Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, or West Oxfordshire District Council.)

Contact: 01865 876176

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.