County Advice Overview
Ring and Ride and Community Transport Association 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.
They are 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.
Not all Schemes can take you to hospital appointments or day care centres. These appointments should be arranged by your doctor, the hospital or social services.
Operators
Ring and Ride
Ring and Ride is a service to meet the needs of people who find it difficult or are unable to access the general transport network, either part or all of the time. It is a door-to-door minibus service with drivers who are trained in passenger assistance.
You can call our Customer Contact Centre on 0161 200 6011 and our staff will be happy to help.
Ring & Ride accessible minibuses | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com)
Age UK – 0161 788 7300 Local services (ageuk.org.uk)
Community Cars
Managed by a mixture of volunteers and charities, community cars can help people to stay independent, participate in their communities and access vital public services and employment. They can help you go shopping, get medical appointments, visit friends and family, or have a good day out.
Most need to be booked in advance and may have eligibility criteria you need to meet.
Practical things to think about and questions to ask when looking for a community transport provider.
What type of journey are you making? Some schemes are specific and can only help in certain situations e.g., medical appointments.
- Are you eligible to use the scheme?
- Does the scheme cover your area? There are many good neighbour volunteer schemes in rural parts of the country that are for people in live in those villages.
- How much notice is required to book a trip?
- Is there a cost involved?
- How to book?
- Does it meet any accessibility requirements you have? E.g., Wheelchairs and scooters. Getting in and out of the car.
Car Scheme Operators
Community Transport Salford – NHS 0161 745 7588
We have a long history of providing transport for the residents of Salford and have provided many exciting and innovative services including Women’s Safe Transport, Ethel the Playbus, Prison Visiting and Mobility Shopping.
Overview – Community Transport Salford – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
North West Ambulance Service – 0161 949 0770
Patient Transport Service (PTS) – NWAS – North West Ambulance Service
Patient Transport Service is a non-emergency service for people who may need special support getting to and from their healthcare appointments.
Royal Voluntary Service – 0300 555 0310
Transport Services | Community Transport | Royal Voluntary Service
Royal Voluntary Service volunteers provide Patient Transport for essential appointments and visits to and from hospital to a GP or other medical appointment where confidence or mobility issues can make it difficult or impossible to attend by using public transport or if you live in rural areas with limited transport. Volunteers provide company and support to help you get to and from your appointment, they can also be on hand to help you check in and wait with you before returning home. Our volunteers can also take a carer if that helps with confidence to attend.
Easy-Go Stockport – 0161 419 3580
Easy-go offer a door-to-door transport solution for people in Stockport.
Visits can include:
- food shopping
- to the theatre
- to your place of work
- to day care
- to school
- to visit friends and relatives
Alzheimer’s Society – 0300 150 3456
Dementia-friendly transport | Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimers.org.uk)
Public transport can be a lifeline for older people who are no longer able to drive. Find out how services can make a real difference to people living with dementia.
Paid Companion Driving Services.
Helping Hands – 0333 060 4041
Shopping Services for the Elderly – Errands for Seniors | Helping Hands (helpinghandshomecare.co.uk)
While many people consider care to be support with personal care or medication administration, we also focus on the other tasks many may forget such as running errands, grocery shopping and support with social activities.
We provide services to assist with your day-to-day life, whether you are too busy to pop out to pick up your prescription or have an urgent errand that needs running. With special attention to only helping with the aspects you want by adapting to your changing needs, our support can make the world of difference.