Norfolk community transport

County Advice Overview

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

Dial-a-Ride 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.

Fares are often much cheaper than taxis and there is sometimes a reduced rate for concessionary 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

You may want to consider the following when you are thinking about travelling using community transport:

• What type of journey are you making? Some schemes can only help in certain situations. For example, medical appointments.
• Are you eligible to use the scheme?
• Always try to book journeys as far ahead as possible and check what notice they require.
• Concessionary bus passes are accepted on some community transport buses but check with the provider.
• At the time of booking, inform the provider of any mobility and accessibility needs you may have and what equipment you intend to travel with. 
• Plan ahead – consider what support you may need upon reaching your destination.

Operators

Transport Plus

Telephone: 0344 800 8020 

Transport Plus helps eligible adults within Norfolk travel to essential health, social and wellbeing services. Volunteer drivers will pick you up at your house, or the nearest safe place, and provide a door-to-door service. Three working days’ notice is required for journeys and passengers must be able to transfer in/out of a vehicle unaided. Journeys are charged at 45p per mile. More information regarding the service and eligibility can be found here.

North Norfolk Community Transport

Telephone: 01692 500 840

North Norfolk Community Transport are a registered charity and support anyone in North Norfolk who is without their own transport and unable to use public transport, either because of ill health, disability or because there is no service meeting their needs. They provide wheelchair accessible transport, dial-a-ride buses and group trips. More information ca be found here.

West Norfolk Community Transport (WNCT)

Telephone: 01553 776971

WNCT provides a range of safe, affordable door-to-door transport services for people who are unable to access public transport due to location, age, or mobility issues. They provide vehicles with low steps or lifts for wheelchair users. The service runs weekly routes from villages into local towns (Downham Market, Docking, Wisbech, Swaffham and Kings Lynn). Prices vary depending on your journey and reduced rates are offered for concessionary bus pass holders. Registration is required prior to booking. More information can be found here.

Pick Me Up 

Telephone: 01553 770310 

Pick Me Up provides a demand responsive transport service for the residents of Kings Lynn to enable them to access shops, appointments or to visit friends and family. Fares cost £2.50 each way. More information can be found here.

Go to town

Telephone: 01553 776971

Go to town provides transport from rural communities in West Norfolk to Kings Lynn. More information can be found here.

Flexibus

Telephone: 0300 1231145

Flexibus is a ‘ring and ride’ service for all residents which connects Norfolk villages with local towns. More information can be found here.

Centre 81 Community Transport Service

Telephone: 01493 332253

Centre 81 provide a door-to-door community transport service for residents within the borough of Great Yarmouth. They provide wheelchair accessible minibuses. Yearly membership is required before booking. More information can be found here. 

Great Massingham Area Community Car Scheme

Telephone: 01485 520823

Great Massingham Area Community Car Scheme provides a door-to-door car service for residents without personal transport in the Great Massingham area. They can accommodate folding wheelchairs and mobility aids. Journeys are charged at 45p per mile. More information can be found here.

Dereham Community Car Scheme

Telephone: 07827 972163

Dereham community car scheme provides a door-to-door car service for residents without personal transport in the Dereham area. Journeys are charged at 20p per mile with minimum £2 fare. More information can be found here. 

Driving Miss Daisy 

Telephone: 0333 014 6211    

Driving Miss Daisy is a national organisation who have franchises across the region.

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. 

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.