Worcestershire Community transport

County advice overview

Community Transport Schemes exist across Worcestershire 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.

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

View a full list of community transport schemes in Worcestershire.

For further information regarding specific community transport in your area, you can contact the Community Transport Association.

Selected community transport operators 

(All schemes require pre-registration before they can be used.)

Worcester Wheels

www.worcesterwheels.org.uk

A door-to-door Dial-a-Ride service for the city and surrounding villages. A minibus and people carrier vehicles are adapted with tail lifts for easy access.

Contact: 01905 450 654

Tenbury Transport Trust

www.tttrust.org.uk

Regular bus services to and from Tenbury Wells and other local towns. Journeys must be pre-booked and door-to-door services can be arranged. Buses are fitted with tail lifts and can provide secure travel if you need to remain in your wheelchair.

Contact: 01584 810491       

Redditch Dial-A-Ride

www.redditchbc.gov.uk

A door-to-door transport service for residents of Redditch Borough who cannot use public transport. Wheelchair-accessible minibuses, with low rise steps for easy access, operate Monday to Friday for medical appointments, supermarket trips, social visits.

Contact: 01527 64910 or dialaride@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Droitwich Spa CVS

www.droitwichcvs.org.uk

Operate wheelchair-accessible vehicles and a minibus with a tail lift and side step access. Services are available for anyone unable to use public transport due to mobility difficulties, physical or mental health barriers. Trips include doctors, dentists, shopping, social visits and social clubs.

For residents of: Crowle, Dodderhill, Doverdale, Droitwich, Hadzor, Hampton Lovett, Hanbury, Hartlebury, Himbleton, Hindlip, Martin Hussingtree, North Claines, Oddingley, Ombersley, Salwarpe, Westwood.

Contact: 01905 779778

Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride

www.wfdar.org.uk

Door-to-door transport for residents of the Wyre Forest District. Wheelchairs and scooters can be accommodated.

Contact: 01562 755084

Community Transport for Wyre Forest and North Worcestershire

ctwyre.org.uk

Door-to-door transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Areas covered include Kidderminster, Stourport, Bewdley to the rural areas of Chaddesley Corbett, Rock and Heightington, Far Forest, Mamble and Belbroughton.

Contact: 01299 405820

Malvern Dial-a-Ride

www.plynlimon.org.uk

Door-to-door, Dial-a-Ride services for trips to doctors, dentist, hospitals, shopping and social visits. Services for anyone unable to use public transport due to age or disability. Accessible vehicles are available.

Contact: 01684 891121

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.