Hampshire Community transport

County advice overview

There are several community transport schemes in Hampshire which help to connect residents without access to conventional transport and from isolated rural locations, to surrounding areas. These consist of Dial-a-Ride minibuses and car schemes run by volunteer drivers. 

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

Community Car schemes

There are many community car schemes operating across Hampshire. You can find your nearest using Hampshire County Council’s search facility.

Dial-a-Ride schemes

East Hampshire Call and Go: Alton, Petersfield and Bordon

Contact: lynne.peters@cfirst.org.uk or terry.mack@cfirst.org.uk

Different areas are covered on different days, including trips to locations outside East Hampshire (including Chichester, Fareham, Havant, Portsmouth, Southampton, Waterlooville and Winchester).

Basingstoke Dial-A-Ride 

Contact: 01256 462101 / 01256 574401 or lynne.peters@cfirst.org.uk

A town service operates around Basingstoke and a rural service from Kingsclere/Brambly, Tadley and Overton to Basingstoke on different weekdays.

Eastleigh Dial-a-Ride

Contact: 023 80902450 / 023 8090 2432 or info@1community.org.uk

Door-to-door transport service for people living in the borough of Eastleigh who find it difficult to use ordinary bus services. Registered users can travel anywhere in the borough of Eastleigh and on three days a week to West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton. 

The service operates six days a week. Passengers can travel with 25% off by using their concessionary bus pass. 

Eastleigh Dial-a-Ride Shopping Trips

Dedicated shopping trips throughout the Eastleigh borough offering a wider choice to registered Dial-a-Ride members. 

Once you have registered for a DAR shopping trip, the organisers assume you will travel every week or fortnight – just inform them of any days when you are not going. This saves you ringing every week to book a trip.

Fareham & Gosport Dial-a-Ride 

Contact: 01329 223151 or dialaride.farehamgosport@cfirst.org.uk

Dial-a-Ride trips can be used to travel anywhere and for any reason within the boroughs of Fareham and Gosport, except for journeys to hospital appointments, day centres or your GP.

Fares are based on a system similar to local bus fares and there is a reduced rate for bus pass holders. 

Havant Call and Go
Havant Borough plus Horndean, Clanfield and Rowlands Castle

Contact: 02393 871724 or havanttransport@cfirst.org.uk

Rural services providing easy access to Havant’s facilities. Plus, regular day trips to Portsmouth.    

Rushmoor Dial-a-Ride and Fleet Link

Contact: 01252 398451 or info@rvs.org.uk

Two local door-to-door bus services using specially-adapted buses with handrails, low steps and wheelchair lifts. Costs vary according to the destination. Concessionary Bus Pass holders travel for a reduced price after 09:30 am. Due to the door-to-door nature of the service, fares may be slightly more than a standard bus but are cheaper than a taxi.

If you have an essential escort (for example, to push your wheelchair) they may travel for free. You will need to state this requirement on your registration form.

Social Care In Action (SCiA) – Southampton

Contact: 023 8022 2289 or dialaride@sciagroup.co.uk

SCA Transport provide a Dial-a-Ride service on behalf of Southampton City Council, for people of all ages who reside in Southampton and are unable to use public transport. Specially adapted vehicles can carry wheelchairs and seated passengers for journeys anywhere within the Southampton City boundaries.

Fares depend upon the destination and whether it is a single or return trip.

Dial-a-Ride Winchester

Contact: 01962 852602 or lynne.peters@cfirst.org.uk 

Choose your pick-up and drop-off, and travel anywhere in Winchester District. Home collection is available. Vehicles are wheelchair accessible and safety-trained drivers will help you board and with anything else you need on your journey.

Fares are similar to local bus services in the Winchester district and cheaper than a taxi. 

Inform the organisers when you register if you need to bring an essential companion with you. They will travel for free.

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.