Essex community transport

County advice overview

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.

All vehicles are wheelchair accessible and 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.

These schemes are run by not-for-profit organisations and only charge based on their actual operating costs are. 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. 

Not all Dial-a-Ride 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

• Always try to book journeys as far ahead as possible
• Most community transport schemes require you to register beforehand to use the service
• Concessionary bus passes are accepted on some community transport to reduce or cover the cost of travel, so you may want to apply for one in preparation 
• 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

Operators

Tendring community transport

Tendring community transport website

Operates a Dial-a-Ride service for residents of Tendring. The service is free to concessionary bus pass holders or is charged at £3.50 for a single fare. The service operates Monday-Friday, 9.00am–5.00pm, and Saturdays, 9.00am – 2.00pm.

Contact: 01255 436962

Southend-on-Sea Dial-a-Ride

Southend-on-Sea Dial-a-Ride website

Operates a bookable service for residents of Southend who have difficulty using public transport. Yearly membership costs and journey costs apply. A small booking fee is required. The service operates Monday-Friday, 10.15am -2.20pm. Information on prices and eligibility can be found here.

Contact: 01702 212212

Basildon Community Transport

Basildon Community Transport website

Operates a local transport service for the residents of the Basildon Borough which includes Basildon, Billericay and Wickford. The service includes minibuses and volunteer cars and can be used for medical appointments, shopping, social events etc. Yearly membership costs and journey costs apply. Concessionary bus passes are accepted on the Basildon Flexi Route. 

Contact: 01268 465858

Brentwood Community Transport

Brentwood Community Transport website

Operates aminibus and voluntary car scheme for residents of Brentwood who are unable to use mainstream public transport. Concessionary bus passes are accepted, and membership is required. 

Contact: 01277 228080

Coggeshall Community Bus

Coggeshall Community Bus website

Operates a morning and evening timetabled bus service around Coggeshall, to and from Kelvedon. Operates Monday–Friday, 9.00am-6.00pm.

Contact: 01376 562090

Epping Forest Community Transport

Epping Forest Community Transport website

Operates a local voluntary car scheme, Dial-a-Ride service and timetabled bus service for residents who are unable to use conventional bus services. 

Contact: 01992 579556

Harwich Connexions

Harwich Connexions website

Operates community transport services for residents of Harwich, Dovercourt, Parkeston and the surrounding villages. Membership is required to use the service. Journeys must be pre-booked. Concessionary bus passes are accepted. Fares are otherwise £5 per journey. Minibuses are accessible and they can accommodate one wheelchair. 

Contact: 01255 552010

Paid Companion Driving Services

Some care providers offer paid companion driver services. These should be registered with the local authority in the same way as regular taxis.

Driving Miss Daisy is a national organisation which has franchises across the region.

Contact: 0333 014 6211    

Travel costs

Community transport costs can vary. 

Many schemes are run by not-for-profit organisations and only charge based on their actual operating costs are. 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 to receive an estimate of costs. 

You can find a list of organisations and contact numbers in Essex by visiting the community transport page on the Essex Highways website. 

Travelling with mobility equipment

Check with the community transport scheme you are intending to travel with regarding their capacity for you to travel with specific mobility equipment. 

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.