West Sussex community transport

County advice overview

Many West Sussex wards have community transport or Dial-a-Ride schemes. These are wheelchair accessible minibuses suitable for passengers who are unable to use public transport due to a disability or age-related condition. Most schemes operate a door-to-door service.

Some schemes require membership whilst others are funded by the local council. 

Many community car care schemes rely on volunteers and cannot always accommodate wheelchairs, so always check details at the time of booking.

Key tips

• It is recommended to always check a scheme’s eligibility criteria in advance of travel. 
• You normally will need to be a resident of that borough and will have to register with the scheme. 
• Some schemes apply a lower age limit and some also offer a free space for carers/companions. So do check in advance. 
• Most schemes operate Monday- Friday but please check with the operator. 
• If you are using mobility equipment, it is advisable to check if they can accommodate it. Most buses will only have one wheelchair space.

Operators

Sussex Community Transport oversees a Dial- a-Ride & Community Transport provision for most of the region. Four charities provide these services. 

You can find further information via this link.

Dial-a-Ride Southern Services

Dial-a-Ride Southern Services website

Covers Adur, Worthing & Arun areas. Plan to cover Chichester area too – call to check. They also cover parts of East Sussex including Pagham.

Contact: 01903 530053   Open: 9.30am – 3.30pm, Monday – Friday.

Dial-a-Ride can be used for medical appointments, and they have a fleet of 10 wheelchair accessible minibuses. If you have a mobility scooter, please ring, and check it can be accommodated.

When booking for the first time, you will have to register but membership is free. Mileage costs will be calculated when you book. A minimum of 24hrs notice for booking is required. 

Crawley Community Transport

Crawley Community Transport website

Covers Crawley and surrounding areas.

Contact: 01293 544985
The booking line is open 9:30am – 11:00am, Monday – Friday. 
The service is available 9:30am – 2:30pm, Monday – Friday.

A door-to-door service for shopping, social and medical appointments. You must be registered as a member. There is an annual fee – contact the operator for costs. Bookings should be made in advance and are on a first come, first served basis.

Travel Buddy Scheme

For people with mild dementia, anxiety about travelling or those who have had a stroke. 

The scheme matches people with a volunteer to accompany them on a train, or bus where they would normally need a designated carer. This gives residents a level of independence & some respite for their carers.

Volunteers are trained in safeguarding. 

Contact: 01444 471919 or email sam@ctsussex.org.uk

Horsham Community Transport

Horsham Community Transport website

Covers Horsham and surrounding villages.

Contact: 01403 754 206  
The booking line is open 9.00am – 12.00pm, Monday – Friday.

A door-to-door service for shopping, social and medical appointments. You must be registered as a member and should ring for costs. Bookings should be made in advance.

Bluebird Community Transport 

Bluebird Community Transport website 

Covers Mid Sussex, including Henfield, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead, and Burgess Hill.

Contact: 01444 471 919 
The booking line is open 8:30am – 12:30pm.

A door-to-door service. You must be registered to join; membership is free but call to get an idea of journey costs.

Selsey Shuttle Bus (Chichester Ward) 

Selsey Shuttle Bus website

A Hail & Ride minibus around Selsey on Monday and Friday. They also offer a weekly Dial-a-Ride door-to-door service to Chichester once a week.

Contact: 07925 580443

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

Community Transport staff can assist passengers, for example, with a ramp to access a vehicle, or a guiding arm, but it is important to make your requirements known when registering with the scheme.

Always check your needs can be accommodated when booking transport.

Travelling with mobility equipment

Community transport minibuses will have ramps or lifts to accommodate mobility equipment but there may only be one wheelchair space.

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.  

If you are using a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter, please ring the Community Transport provider to ensure they can accommodate your equipment and safely secure it.