Tendring Community Transport provides transport services to the local community. The majority of our service users are elderly, vulnerable people who are unable to access services within the local community.
Our services are for people who cannot access conventional public transport or who are socially isolated. It enables elderly, vulnerable people to access services in the local community including GP Surgeries, health/medical related appointments, local amenities which prevent isolation and give them the opportunity to make new friends and socialise. Without our services many people would not be able to go out.
The services we provide support people to live independently for longer in their own homes, as they are able to make their own appointments, do their own food shopping, attend social and leisure activities. It also prevents isolation and loneliness, going out and about in the local community enables people to talk to other people on the bus, having a regular driver means they are seeing a familiar, friendly face every week.
We provide the following services:
Dial-a-Ride – Door to door, wheelchair accessible transport for people who are unable or find it difficult to access conventional transport, the service enables Tendrings’ most vulnerable, elderly, frail, rurally and socially isolated residents to access shops, GP surgeries, leisure and social activities, luncheon clubs etc. The service operates Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 plus Saturday 09:00 – 14:00 the areas covered are; Alresford, Elmstead Market, Thorrington, Brightlingsea, Great Bentley, Point Clear, St Osyth, Weeley, Clacton on Sea, Holland on Sea, Great Holland, Kirby Cross, Kirby le Soken, Thorpe le Soken, Frinton on Sea, Walton on the Naze. It is a free service to anyone with a valid bus pass.
Hospital Hopper – This service was set up due to a need which was identified by local residents that there was no direct route to Colchester hospitals, medical centres and the hospice.  The service operates Monday to Friday 06:15 – 20:15 operating six return journeys per day, and Saturday/Sunday 09:00-17:00 operating three return journeys per day, picking up at pick up points arranged with the service users at the time of booking. The areas covered are; Holland on Sea, Clacton, Great Clacton, Jaywick, Weeley, St Osyth, Great Bentley, Elmstead Market. The service is free with a valid bus pass. The service enables people to access out-patient appointments, visit sick friends and relatives.
Community group hire – Is a wheelchair accessible, not-for-profit community transport service for community groups, we currently have over 200 local groups hiring our vehicles. Any not-for-profit group can hire one of our vehicles. Typically the service is used by social groups, stroke association, nursing/residential homes, schools, colleges, sports and social clubs, places of worship. Groups use the services to access shopping, social, sports, fitness, education and other activities that benefit the community. The cost is based on the number of miles logged during the journey and, if appropriate, a charge is made for light miles, also known as dead mileage (miles accrued without passengers on board). The group/club’s representative is invoiced for the trip. There is a set minimum charge of £25.00.
Door to door day trips – Is a service led by our customers who tell us where they want to go. For example: the theatre, garden centres, farmers’ markets, stately home, Duxford Museum etc. The majority of the trips take place over the weekend as feedback from customers is that they feel lonely at weekends especially on a Sunday. The service enables people to socialise, form new friendships and enjoy a hot meal.
MiDAS training – MiDAS is an acronym for Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme. It is a training programme that aims to enhance the driving and passenger awareness skills of individuals who drive minibuses in the course of their work or, as volunteer drivers. MiDAS is designed to make appropriate assessment, training and accreditation available to minibus drivers from voluntary organisations, schools, colleges and Local Authorities. The Scheme is organized by the Community Transport Association under license to Hampshire County Council.
