Cambridgeshire community transport

Advice Overview

Community Transport schemes provide a bookable service for people who have difficulties 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.

Not all schemes can take you to hospital appointments or day care centres. These appointments should be arranged by your doctor, the hospital or social services.

Key Tips

Most community transport schemes are operated by volunteers and each has its own rules on who can travel with them. It is best if you contact your local provider to ensure that you are eligible to access their services. Please note that not all schemes have accessible vehicles. 

Operators

FACT Community Transport

FACT Community Transport is a charity serving the Fenland, Huntingdonshire and East Cambridgeshire areas, for people who have difficulties using conventional modes of transport. They provide accessible, affordable and safe transport services.   

Membership is required. Contact 01354 661234 to request a Membership Application Pack and to find out prices, or email info@cotransport.org

Cambridge Dial-a-Ride

Offers a door-to-door service. Membership is required at £10 per year. 

01223 506335

Ely Soham Association for Community Transport (ESACT)

For membership enquiries contact: 01353 661 161

Services: Into Ely serving Chippenham, Coveney, Downham, Ely, Fordham, Haddenham, Isleham, Littleport, Little Thetford, Mepal, Snailwell, Soham, Stretham, Sutton, Wentworth, Wicken, Wilburton, Witcham and Witchford. Members only.

ESACT also has a minibus and day trip service

Peterborough

Peterborough Dial-a-Ride services are split depending on whether the user is a resident in the city (Community Link) or in a rural area (START).

Community Link

Offers a door-to-door service from the member’s home into the city centre. Free with a valid council bus pass. Book 48hrs in advance. Membership is £5 a year. To request a Membership Application:

Call 01733 317 460 (9.00am – 5.00pm) or buses@peterborough.gov.uk

Rural Dial-a-Ride (START)

A door-to-door service for members in the villages surrounding Peterborough. Membership is £10 per year. To request a Membership Application: 

Call 01733 394 545 or email octane.ltd@gmail.com

Voluntary Car Schemes

To find Voluntary Car Schemes, of which there are many, visit the Cambridgeshire County Council website.

Travel Cost

Community Transport schemes are 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.

Special Assistance

Where Community Transport services offer accessible vehicles, their driver or assistant will be appropriately trained. You will need to check when booking if you need assistance.

Travelling with mobility equipment

Not all community transport schemes have an accessible vehicle available. Always make sure you check with individual operators before making a journey.