Special transport service
Special transport and dial-a-ride services for people who cannot use public transport in Oxfordshire.
Special Transport Service Team
Our team of trained drivers may be able to provide transport to clients wishing to attend residential care homes, day centres and adult training centres, where this has been assessed as an eligible need following an assessment.
We have:
- a fleet of vehicles (ranging from 8-18 seater) with drivers operating county-wide to transport people who are unable to use public transport
- accessible fittings on all vehicles. Tail lifts or ramps for passengers who are wheelchair users or who may have other mobility difficulties. Low floor buses are being introduced to the fleet to make access even easier.
- drivers and passenger assistants who are trained to provide a secure and comfortable environment for passengers travelling on our vehicles.
Who can use the service?
The service provides transport for:
- older people
- people with learning difficulties
- people with physical disabilities
- children and families (where it is considered to be necessary to ensure their well-being and safety)
- children with special educational needs.
Can I contact you directly for transport?
No. Arrangements must be made by the care manager or social worker who will assess the need and, if this is considered to be eligible, may make a request for the service to be provided.
Can people who are not council clients use your service?
We mainly offer the service to those who attend our day services. However, if there are drivers and vehicles available they can be used by groups and individuals whose mobility is impaired. This can involve journeys across the UK. The work is charged at a rate to cover the operating costs. Please contact your nearest office below for more information.
If we can't help you we can provide information about other services.
How can drivers help users?
Although the service is mainly door to door, drivers will help you if you require it. This can involve preparing you for your journey and seeing you safely back into your home.
Where is the team based?
The team consists of four bases throughout the county. Each is made up of an operational supervisor and between ten and fifteen drivers at each base. Contacts are:
- Vale Area (Abingdon) Telephone/Fax 01235 559997
- South Oxfordshire (Wallingford) Telephone/Fax 01491 826494
- Cherwell & West (Banbury) Telephone/Fax 01295 257930
- Oxford City Telephone 01865 768329 Fax 01865 750909
Directory of community transport schemes
The Oxfordshire Rural Community Council website has details of more than 60 community transport schemes serving rural communities in Oxfordshire.
Cherwell District Dial-a-ride
Information about the Cherwell District dial-a-ride scheme.
Octabus
Octabus (Oxfordshire Community Transport Accessible Bus) is a dial-a-ride service for those living in Vale of White Horse, West Oxfordshire and Oxford City.
Drivers are trained in first aid and can help people in wheelchairs or with mobility problems. You can download the Octabus leaflet here (.pdf format, 350Kb).
Red Cross
The British Red Cross transport scheme offers two services:
- a car service for individuals costing £6 for up to 13 miles and then 45p per mile
- a disabled person's vehicle which takes groups. This costs £36 for up to 40 miles and then 90p a mile.
Visit the Red Cross website or telephone 01235 552660 for more information.
St John's Ambulances
Ambulances with stretchers also capable of carrying wheelchairs available 24 hours, seven days a week. Contact 01869 324625 for more information.
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This page was last updated on 02 February 2009
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