Tyne and Wear 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.

Most 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.

Operators

Compass Community Transport

Areas covered: Sunderland and South Shields.

Compass provide a community door-to-door Shopper Service within Sunderland and South Shields. They are happy to transfer your shopping into your home. (Prices from £2 to £3.)

Compass also provide additional services which include transport to the local Alzheimer’s centre in Sunderlandand other social groups.  

Information can be found on the Compass Community Transport website. 
Contact: 0191 523 5383 

CT Passenger Services

Areas covered: Newcastle

CT Passenger Services in the Northeast have a fleet of wheelchair-accessible minibuses available for hire from Newcastle. All vehicles are fitted with passenger lifts. 

Services include: transport to day and social centres; community minibus hire; group and wheelchair-accessible trips; accessible transport for individuals; shoppers shuttles; self-drive minibus. 

Information can be found on the CT Passenger website.

Hop to the Shops

Various areas in Tyneside.

The community transport service, Hop to the Shops, is a charity scheme operating across several areas of Tyneside, on different days, and on weekly or fortnightly cycles.  

To qualify, you must be over 50 years of age and a resident of North Tyneside or Newcastle.

£3 per return trip. Carers go for free. 

Contact: 0191 2659267 or email: newcastle@communitytransport.org

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.