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Set up a community transport scheme

Parishes, charities and community groups can set up transport schemes to provide bus or car services to those who have difficulty accessing public transport.

This might be a local village bus to transport villagers to the nearest town for shopping or a volunteer car service to take people to medical appointments.

We have no statutory obligation to provide community transport schemes, but we support and encourage communities to run their own services where there is a need for transport. We can also offer advice, signposting and networking, and award community transport grants to help establish, improve or extend a scheme.

Read our guide to setting up a community transport scheme (PDF, 878.3 KB) for everything you need to know, including details of organisations that can help, such as the Community Transport Association.

Schemes that benefited from last year's funding

We awarded around £560,000 in community transport grants last year and over £400,000 the year before. Successful past bids have included:

Successful community transport schemes

Here are some examples of successful community transport schemes that received community transport grant funding.

  • Community Car Service

    Read about how the Community Car Service used grant funding to cope with increased demand during COVID-19.

  • Hadlow Community Transport

    Find out Hadlow Community Transport used grant funding to support local schools and community groups.

  • We are Beams

    Find out how We are Beams are using community transport to help more families enjoy much needed respite care.

  • Prince of Wales Youth Club

    Find out how this youth club adapted the plans for their new minibus during the pandemic and how it's making a difference now.

  • Kent Coast Volunteering

    Read about how further grant funding helped Kent Coast Volunteering make the most of their car scheme.

  • Hythe Community Bus Service

    Read about how Hythe Community Bus Service used grant funding to replace their vehicles and make the most of their bus scheme.

  • Faversham Hopper

    Find out how the Faversham Hopper is supporting the local community and reducing social isolation for residents.