Somerset Community transport

County advice overview

Community transport in 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

The Slinky Service

A number of Slinky Services operate in Somerset providing door-to-door demand responsive transport funded by Somerset County Council for people without access to, or unable to access, conventional transport. 

You can find information on the services in your area, and the registration required, on the Travel Somerset website.

Advanced booking is required, on a first-come-first-served basis. Concessionary Bus Pass holders are charged a reduced fare. All vehicles are accessible.

Exmoor Community Bus

www.exmoorcommunitybus.co.uk

Run by Somerset County Council, this Exmoor community bus service is run by volunteers who provide administration and drivers.

The Community Bus runs a weekly trip from Dulverton to Minehead, calling at several villages on the way.  More information can be found here.

Booking a seat in advance is recommended.

Contact 07925 044262 by 5.00pm the previous day. Concessionary Bus Passes can be used.  

Atwest Shopper Buses

www.atwest.org.uk

Weekly, accessible-minibus shopping services to Minehead, picking up in villages around West Somerset. 

Drivers are trained in passenger care and some services also have a passenger assistant to help carry the shopping on the return journey. 

Registered is required. Contact: 01643 709 701.

Mendip Community Transport (MCT)

www.mendipcommunitytransport.co.uk

Based in Shepton Mallet. 

MCT provides accessible community transport minibus services, including the Glastonbury Tor Bus, Route 665 Kingweston to Yeovil and Route 67 Burnham-on-Sea to Wells.

Contact: 01749 880613

Ring and Ride South Somerset

www.southsomersetringride.org.uk

Community transport for Wincanton, Bruton, Castle Cary and the surrounding villages. Buses provide trips to local towns and supermarkets. A joining fee and travel charges apply.

Contact: 01963 33864.

Wedmore Community Bus

www.theisleofwedmore.net

A volunteer-led, community bus scheme operating four scheduled services to Taunton, Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare and Street/Glastonbury. They will try to arrange home pick-up and drop-off if required.

Call: 01934 713 145 

Email: iowrtabookings@gmail.com or wedmorebus@gmail.com

Wivey Link

wiveylink.co.uk

Based in Wiveliscombe, this volunteer-led community transport service is open to anyone without access to public or private transport. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available. There is a charge for services, with a concession for bus-pass holders.

Transport is available Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 6.00pm (approximately). Registration is required, and pre-booking should be made by 11.00am the day before. 

Call: 01984 624777 (Information) or 01984 624666 (Booking). 

Email: communityoffice@wiveliscombe.com

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.