South Gloucestershire community transport

County advice overview

Community transport in South Gloucestershire helps to connect residents without access to conventional transport and from isolated rural locations, to surrounding areas. It is provided by a mixture of charities, County Council funding and community groups.

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.

Most vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and details of routes, trips and prices can be obtained by contacting the provider.

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

Green Community Travel (GCT)

GCT operate ring and ride bus services for shopping, appointments and social events, in and around Yate and Chipping Sodbury, Hawkesbury, Iron Acton, Coalpit Heath, Winterbourne, Winterbourne Down, Frampton Cotterell, Rangeworthy, Wickwar, Westerleigh and Pucklechurch. 

You can book as far in advance as you like for medical appointments and a week in advance for other journeys. People without a concessionary travel card will be charged a small extra fee per journey. Transport is available every day, except on Bank Holidays.  

Contact Ring & Ride: 0845 241 0985

Contact the office: 01454 228706 or admin@greencommunitytravel.co.uk

Kingswood Community Transport (KCT)

Dial-a-ride services with accessible minibuses for medical appointments and social visits in South Gloucestershire. Registration is required and an annual membership fee applies.

Contact: 0117 961 6016

Four Towns and Vale Link Community Travel

Essential travel services are provided (supported by South Gloucestershire Council) for concessionary travel card holders, as well as social trips. If you do not have a concessionary travel card, you may still be able to become a member of 4T&VL and pay to use services.

Areas covered: Almondsbury, Alveston, Aust, Bradley Stoke, Charfield, Cromhall, Falfield, Filton, Frampton Cotterell, Hallen, Hill, Oldbury on Severn, Olveston, Patchway, Pilning, Severn Beach, Rockhampton, Stoke Gifford, Thornbury, Tortworth, Tytherington and Winterbourne.

Details of regular shopping trips and routes are available on the website. 

Contact: 01454 250500/510 or info@4tvl.org.uk

Travel costs

Most community transport schemes require an annual membership fee. 

Some providers accept concessionary bus passes as payment for journeys. 

Others can only provide discounted transport for passengers with a bus pass and ask for a set fee per journey. 

Special assistance

Please check with your community transport provider as to which assistance they can offer you. Information can be found on the provider’s website or by contacting them by telephone.

Some services provide a care assistant who can help with shopping bags and see you to your door on the return journey.

When booking any community transport in your area, be clear about your mobility and check in advance that the service can accommodate your requirements.

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 will be able to take wheelchair users and may offer ramp or lift access. Some providers will require the make and model of your wheelchair before you travel, and others will accept mobility scooters.