Access to services such as health, leisure and local shops can be difficult for people living in Wiltshire and Swindon – and particularly for elderly people; those with mobility difficulties; young people and those without access to a car.

Getting to work, training or just visiting friends can often prove just as problematic.  According to the last Census, in Wiltshire nearly one in five people do not have access to a car.  Clearly, transport is therefore a major issue for all Wiltshire communities.

Community Transport schemes are local, community based transport services that are operated and run mainly by local volunteers.  Community Transport services include for instance, locally run community minibus schemes.

There are twenty-five community minibus schemes across Wiltshire and Swindon and the Community First Community Transport team provides advice to these schemes to help them provide and develop vital transport services for the local community.  Information about existing community transport schemes in Wiltshire and Swindon can be found at www.wiltshirecommunitytransport.org.uk

Community First’s Community Transport team also works with local communities to help them develop new community based transport projects that improve access to services and facilities for people living in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Community First also has grants available of up to £1,000 for community initiatives which help local people without transport to better access places and services which car users can take for granted such as shops, doctors, youth centres, school activities, sports events or community groups. Follow this link for information.

For more information about Community First’s Community Transport services contact
Liam Tatton- Bennett on 01380 722475 (ext. 243)
Or email transport@communityfirst.org.uk

***CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW WILTSHIRE ALL VEHICLE SHARING SCHEME***

Follow this link to download the end of year progress report - October 2009. (PDF File - 300kb)