As we get older, we can find it more difficult to drive or use public transport. Fortunately, there is a range of local initiatives and community transport schemes available in Dorset that are affordable and can help your elderly relative get to wherever they need to be.
If you are looking for patient transport services, look at Age Space’s dedicated guide to Patient Transport Services in Dorset.
Community Transport Options in Dorset
Rural counties often have poor public transport schemes and unfortunately, Dorset is no different. For example, it can take four hours to get from Shaftesbury to Sherborne. As a result, voluntary car schemes and community transport schemes provide an essential service to support older people who do not drive.
Both voluntary and community driven transport schemes may request a small payment from passengers, which is usually similar or less than the cost of a bus journey over the same distance. The Dorset County Council is often able to subsidise the costs with a voluntary service.
Eligibility
For the majority of services, you will need to contact the local organiser and give details of the transport required at least 24 hours in advance.
You may need to fulfil a certain set of eligibility requirements, such as being unable to take public transport or drive yourself. Your reason for travelling might also need to be essential, for example:
- To visit the doctor, dentist, clinic or chiropodist
- For hospital appointments and to visit relatives or friends in hospital
- To collect prescriptions
- To connect with bus, coach or rail services
- For any other essential trips where there is no reasonable alternative means available
Dorset Community Transport Directory
Dorset County Council operates a Community Transport Directory from their website. You can input your postcode to locate all Community Transport services that are local or available to you.
Bournemouth & Poole Volunteer Community Cars Scheme
Specific to the Bournemouth and Poole areas, the Volunteer Community Cars Scheme is able to help anyone who cannot use public transport but still needs to get out and about. This is a compassionate service that is run by a team of volunteer drivers using their own cars to help out people in the community with their everyday needs. These can include a visit to a local GP, a trip to a friendship group or even the hairdressers.
Costs are calculated per mile (from the driver’s home) and all Community Car drivers are CRB checked.
It is possible to book a wheelchair accessible vehicle (subject to availability) at a slightly higher charge.
Use the details below to get in touch with the service or visit the page on the BCP Council’s website for further details.
- Telephone: 01202 309 433
- Visit Website
