Community Transport Northampton
County Advice Overview
Ability, 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
Ability
Bus Service – Local Free Travel with ABILITY Northants cic (abilitycic.org.uk)
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.
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
Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire – 01604 637 522
Community transport Archives | Voluntary Impact Northampton
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.