Derbyshire's Lifeline: Community Transport Explained

For many across Derbyshire, the freedom to travel, whether for essential appointments, shopping, or simply to connect with friends and community groups, is often taken for granted. However, for those unable to utilise conventional public transport due to mobility challenges, location, or a lack of suitable services, getting out and about can become a significant hurdle. This is where Derbyshire's robust network of community transport schemes steps in, providing an invaluable lifeline that bridges the gap, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to engage with their local area and beyond.

Understanding Community Transport in Derbyshire

Community transport in Derbyshire is more than just a ride; it's a comprehensive network of services designed to meet diverse needs, fostering independence and connectivity within communities. Operating across the entire county, these schemes are fundamentally about accessibility and inclusion. A key characteristic of all vehicles used within these services is their full wheelchair accessibility, ensuring that mobility is never a barrier to travel.

The core mission of community transport is twofold: firstly, to enable individuals who face difficulties using public transport to undertake journeys that many would consider routine, such as visiting a doctor or going to the shops. Secondly, it provides crucial support for various community groups, facilitating their activities and enhancing local life. These services are vital, not just in Derbyshire, but throughout the United Kingdom, embodying a commitment to accessible and equitable transport for all.

Diverse Services Tailored for Derbyshire Residents

Derbyshire's community transport schemes offer a range of specific services, each meticulously designed to address particular needs within the community. These services are the backbone of the system, providing targeted support where it’s most needed:

Dial-a-Bus: Your Door-to-Town Connection

The 'Dial-a-Bus' service is a popular 'door to town' shopping bus, specifically catering to individuals who find conventional public transport challenging or those residing in areas with no available public transport links. This service aims to make essential trips, like grocery shopping, straightforward and stress-free. Fares for Dial-a-Bus are kept in line with standard public transport rates, making it an affordable option. Notably, Gold Card holders benefit from an even more attractive flat-rate fare of just £1 per journey, or £2 for a return trip, further enhancing accessibility for eligible residents.

Group Transport: Empowering Community Activities

Community is at the heart of these services, and the 'Group Transport' option directly supports this. This service is available to a wide array of community groups involved in local activities. From scout troops embarking on adventures to school excursions, luncheon clubs gathering for social interaction, and church groups needing transport for events, this service ensures that collective community endeavours can thrive without transport being an impediment. It’s about strengthening the fabric of local life by making group activities more feasible and inclusive.

Trips and Excursions: Expanding Horizons

Beyond the essential daily journeys, some of Derbyshire's community transport schemes also organise delightful 'Trips and Excursions' throughout the year. These outings provide a wonderful opportunity for residents to explore places of interest, either within Derbyshire or further afield. Popular destinations include serene garden centres, festive Christmas lights displays, and visits to larger towns for shopping or cultural experiences. These excursions are not just about transport; they're about enhancing quality of life, combating isolation, and creating memorable experiences for participants.

aCTive travel: Personalised Door-to-Door Support

The 'aCTive travel' service offers a highly personalised, door-to-door solution, primarily focused on individual needs. Its core purpose is to facilitate access to crucial health appointments, ensuring that medical care is not missed due to transport difficulties. Furthermore, this service plays a significant role in improving people's overall quality of life by assisting them in reaching places they would otherwise be unable to access. Depending on a passenger's mobility requirements, transport is provided either by a small, wheelchair-accessible vehicle or by a dedicated volunteer utilising their own car, highlighting the flexible and responsive nature of this vital service.

Specialised Schemes in the Peak District

The beauty of the Peak District, with its stunning landscapes and charming villages, is also made more accessible through community transport. A number of specialised schemes operate in and around this iconic area, catering to both residents and visitors alike. One notable example is the 'Scenic Derbyshire Tours', which runs seasonally from May to October. These tours utilise fully accessible 16-seat vehicles, perfectly equipped to accommodate wheelchair passengers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the breathtaking scenery. These specific services are open to local elderly and/or disabled residents, as well as tourists visiting the region, demonstrating a commitment to universal access to Derbyshire's natural wonders. It’s important to note that all these schemes are registered charities and operate under contract to Derbyshire County Council, providing essential Dial-a-Bus and Group Hire services.

Funding the Wheels: Sustaining Community Transport

The operation of such an extensive and invaluable network of services requires consistent financial backing. Community transport schemes in Derbyshire receive support from various sources, reflecting their crucial role in the public transport landscape, particularly in areas where commercial services might not be viable or sufficient. Historically, this support has been significant:

• In the financial year 2012-2013, each of Derbyshire's seven community transport schemes received a share of a substantial £1.491 million grant directly from the county council. This funding was critical for covering their day-to-day running costs, allowing them to maintain their vital operations.
• This local commitment was further bolstered by a significant cash injection from the Department for Transport, in the form of a £446,582 grant dedicated to community transport.

More recently, community transport organisations, alongside commercial bus operators, have benefited from the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG). This grant, paid by the Department for Transport, helps organisations recover some of their fuel costs. The amount received by each operator, including community transport providers, is based on their annual fuel consumption. The primary aims of BSOG are to help operators keep fares affordable for passengers and enable the running of services that might otherwise be unprofitable and potentially face cancellation. This demonstrates a strategic recognition of community transport's role in complementing and enhancing the overall public transport offering.

While commercial bus services receive the largest share of transport funding, local authorities also specifically allocate funds to alternative services, including community transport and taxi buses. This highlights the council's ongoing commitment to a diverse and responsive transport network. Let's look at recent investments in these alternative services (excluding COVID-related grants):

Investment in Alternative Services (including Community Transport)

These figures demonstrate a consistent and significant investment from local authorities, illustrating their understanding of the unique and indispensable role community transport plays. While the bulk of funding for bus services goes towards maintaining tendered routes, the allocation for alternative services ensures that specialised and flexible transport options, like those offered by community transport, continue to thrive and serve those most in need.

It's important to differentiate community transport from the challenges faced by commercial bus services. While the wider bus network has seen changes, including some services ceasing operation due to factors such as reduced usage during the COVID-19 pandemic and inflationary costs, community transport acts as a resilient and adaptable solution, often filling the gaps where traditional services are not viable or accessible. The funding directed towards community transport is a testament to its distinct and vital contribution to Derbyshire's overall transport strategy.

The Lifeline for Derbyshire Residents

In essence, Derbyshire's community transport schemes are a cornerstone of local infrastructure, providing far more than just a means of getting from A to B. They embody the principle of inclusion, ensuring that residents, regardless of age, mobility, or geographical location, have access to essential services and social opportunities. By offering personalised, accessible, and community-focused transport solutions, these schemes significantly enhance the quality of life for countless individuals and groups across the county. They foster independence, reduce social isolation, and enable community activities to flourish, making Derbyshire a more connected and supportive place to live.

Connecting with Derbyshire's Community Transport Schemes

If you or someone you know could benefit from these invaluable services, reaching out to your local scheme is the first step. Here are contact details for some of the key community transport providers in and around Derbyshire:

• Amber Valley: 01773 746652
• Ashbourne: 01335 300670
• Bakewell & Eyam: 01629 641920
• Chesterfield, Bolsover & North Derbyshire: 01246 209668
• Clowne & District: 01909 724773
• Derby: 01332 293544
• Erewash: 0115 9309134
• Glossop: 01457 861635
• Sheffield (note: this is a scheme serving areas near Derbyshire, demonstrating cross-boundary support): 0114 2766148
• Swadlincote: 01283 550764

These local contacts are your gateway to understanding the specific services available in your area and how they can best meet your transport needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Community Transport

Who can use community transport services in Derbyshire?

Community transport services are primarily designed for individuals who are unable to use conventional public transport. This includes elderly residents, people with disabilities, those living in rural or isolated areas with limited public transport access, and individuals with temporary mobility issues. Additionally, many services, such as Group Transport, cater to community groups like schools, clubs, and charities.

Are all community transport vehicles wheelchair accessible?

Yes, a core principle of community transport in Derbyshire is universal accessibility. All vehicles used across the county's schemes are fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that mobility challenges do not prevent anyone from using the services.

How much do community transport services cost?

Fares for services like Dial-a-Bus are generally kept in line with standard public transport rates, making them affordable. For Gold Card holders, there's often a special flat-rate fare, such as £1 per journey (£2 return) for Dial-a-Bus. Costs for other services like Group Transport or aCTive travel may vary depending on the specific journey and scheme, and it's always best to inquire directly with your local provider for precise pricing.

How do I book a journey with community transport?

Booking procedures vary slightly between schemes, but typically involve contacting the local community transport provider directly, often via telephone. It is usually advised to book journeys in advance, especially for services like Dial-a-Bus or aCTive travel, to ensure availability and allow for proper scheduling. Contact details for various schemes across Derbyshire are provided above.

Do community transport services replace regular bus services?

No, community transport services do not replace commercial or tendered regular bus services. Instead, they complement the existing public transport network by filling crucial gaps. They serve areas where commercial routes are not viable, provide specialised door-to-door assistance for those who cannot use standard buses, and support community group activities. They are an essential part of Derbyshire's diverse transport ecosystem, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accessibility for all residents.

Are community transport schemes regulated?

Yes, all community transport schemes mentioned in Derbyshire are registered charities and operate under contract to Derbyshire County Council for key services like Dial-a-Bus and Group Hire. This oversight ensures that services meet required standards and are accountable to the local authority and the communities they serve.

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