Suffolk community transport

County advice overview

There are a number of schemes to assist people with disabilities to get out and about in Suffolk. They include community bus schemes, Dial-a-Ride, and community cars. 

Suffolk on Board, together with Suffolk County Council, provide information for accessible travel within rural county areas. Simply click on the relevant area of the online map to find applicable community transport details. 

The Age Space website also contains information regarding community travel in the area. 

Key tips

It is recommended to always check accessibility requirements with an organisation prior to booking. You may wish to consider:

• Trying 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 community transport buses but do check before travelling with individual operators
• At the time of booking, inform the provider you intend to travel with of any mobility equipment and accessibility needs you may have, to ensure assistance and space
• Plan ahead – consider what support you may need upon reaching your destination

Operators

Selected community transport operators within Suffolk

BACT (Bungay Area Community Transport)  

BACT (Bungay Area Community Transport) website  

Waveney area
Contact: 01986 896896 

Services including Dial-a-Ride, community car door-to-door, minibus, and accessible transport. 

There is a yearly registration for Dial-a-Ride and car services. Fares are then calculated per mileage travelled. 7-day advanced booking required. Accessible wheelchair transport. WAV seats 3 passengers in wheelchairs or 5 without wheelchairs. Costs and yearly registration fee apply. Booking required in advance. 

CTEA (Communities Together East Anglia) 

CTEA (Communities Together East Anglia) website

(Formerly Bury St Edmunds Volunteer Centre)

Contact: 01449 614274

Services for people in Ipswich, Mid Suffolk and Mid Suffolk North who are unable to access public transport. Includes minibus and community car services. Volunteer-led and supported by Suffolk County Council and Suffolk on Board.  

Costs Apply. Concessionary vouchers can be used. Bookings can be made up to 2 weeks in advance.

CATS (Coastal Accessible Transport Service)

CATS (Coastal Accessible Transport Service) website

Contact: 01728 830516
Covers Leiston, Saxmundham, Aldborough and Framlingham. Car and bus services.  

FACTS (Felixstowe Area Community Transport Service)

FACTS (Felixstowe Area Community Transport Service) website

Contact: 01394 282857

Part of the Connecting Communities network supported by Suffolk County Council.

Services include bus transport for those who cannot access public services and accessible community cars. Contact for details and fare prices. 

GoStart

GoStart

Contact: 01787 212246 

Serving Sudbury and the surrounding villages. Providing accessible transport for those unable to access public services. This service does not require registration. 

Borderhoppa Community Transport 

Border Hoppa website

Contact: 0845 6000659

South Norfolk and North Suffolk Dial-a-Ride community bus service. Membership £6 for 6 months. Journey costs apply. They require a minimum of 24hrs notice to book or between 5-7 days in advance. 

Dial-a-Ride and Call and Go schemes

Provide a bookable service. Vehicles are wheelchair accessible and safety-trained drivers will help you to board and with anything else you need on your journey. 

It is not necessary to be registered disabled or use a wheelchair to be eligible but you must register for the service.

They are not-for-profit organisations and charges are 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.  

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. E-zec medical provide non-emergency hospital transport in Suffolk.

to patients who fulfil the criteria.  It is bookable by contacting 0300 999 6666.

Car Scheme Operators 

The Voluntary Network website allows you to select your area and find options for community transport, some of which may be a car service. 

Ipswich: 01473 744739, 
Framlingham: 01728 621210

Driving Miss Daisy

www.drivingmissdaisy.co.uk

A national organisation with taxis franchises across the region. Accessible vehicle and accessible companion services.

Contact: 0333 014 6211    

Good Neighbours Network

A collection of local groups run by local people offering a helping hand to others in the community. Further information here.

Accessible Local Leisure boat Operators in Suffolk 

The Waveney Stardust 

www.waveneystardust.co.uk

A charitable organisation run by trained volunteers who support older adults and disabled people to access river cruises on the local river routes.  

Accessible cruises are provided for at least one person in a group who would not otherwise be able to access water cruises. They can accommodate up to 6 persons to remain in their wheelchairs when travelling. Operational between April and December on the Norfolk and Suffolk Board Rivers. 

Travel Costs

Community transport costs can vary. 

The Connecting Communities transport service, provided by Suffolk County Council, base costs on average bus fares, for journeys of the same or equivalent distance. 

Check with the individual provider when booking your trip to receive an estimate of costs. 

For further information, visit Suffolk on Board.

Contact: 0345 606 6171

Suffolk County Council operates a voucher scheme enabling those eligible for bus passes, but who cannot access local public transport, to apply for travel vouchers up to £100 to assist with journey 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.