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Community transport is the name for minibus services that are provided by not-for-profit or social enterprise organisations for the benefit of the local community. Individuals or groups can pay to hire a bus, or a bus and a driver.
The buses provide access for disabled people and for people with mobility problems by means of tail lifts or low-level suspension. All buses should be fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and all drivers should be trained to provide the necessary support for passengers to meet their specific needs.
Who provides community transport services in Newcastle?
There is a city-wide organisation called Community Transport operating throughout Newcastle, which can also offer advice with travel arrangements.
Community Transport makes minibuses with drivers available to community groups at reasonable rates.
The services that Community Transport provides include:
- 16 seater minibuses; most with accessible lifts and wheelchair-friendly interiors. These can be converted to carry wheelchairs only or a mixture of seats and spaces for wheelchairs.
- Minibuses which are Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant.
- Drivers who are trained to the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) standard and who are subject to Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks.
Where else can I hire an accessible minibus?
There are other accessible minibus services available in Newcastle in addition to those provided by the Community Transport service.
Newcastle City Council's Adult Services Directorate has a fleet of accessible buses which are available for hire during weekends. Arrangements for hire can be made through your local Adult Services Team, using the details given below.
There may also be other services available in your particular area. For example, in Gosforth, there is the Gosforth Community Minibus; in Elswick there is the Elswick Community Minibus Association; and in Shieldfield there is the Shieldfield Community Minibus (which you can find out about by contacting Caring Hands using the details given below). East End Health also has a minibus which is available to other community groups and charities for hire at very competitive rates. You can contact them using the details given below.
You may be able to find out more information about the minibuses that are available in your area by contacting your local Ward Co-ordinator. You can find details of your Ward Co-ordinator in our On your doorstep section by choosing your area and looking at the 'People to know' page.
Some private hire companies also have accessible minibuses. The following have been used by not-for-profit organisations in Newcastle:
- E.R.B. Services - Hannington Place, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1JU. Telephone number: 0191 224 0002
- Keith's Coaches Ltd - The Coach House, Hexham Road, Blucher, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 9SN. Telephone number: 0191 229 0202
- Palmers Coaches - 1 Woodburn Street, Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8EE. Telelephone number: 0191 267 7109
- Walton Quality Mini Coach Hire - 3 Renfrew Green, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3TY. Telephone number: 0191 245 3846
Contact Information
Adult Services Team Newcastle City Council
Shieldfield Centre, 4-8 Clarence Walk, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AL.
Telephone : 0191 278 8377, Fax : 0191 278 8312.
Caring Hands
34 Wretham Place, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1XU.
Telephone : 0191 261 5234, Fax : 0191 261 5251.
Email : caringhands.charity@btinternet.com
Community Transport (Newcastle)
6 Heaton Terrace, Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 1JR.
Telephone : 0191 265 9267, Fax : 0191 265 6433.
East End Health
28 Hawthorn House, Heaton Road, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1SD.
Telephone : 0191 276 0595.
Email : kate.snowball@eastendhealth.org.uk
Article last updated September 4, 2008 11:05 am
