Although the emergence of low-floor buses is a step towards a fully accessible public transport system, they do not solve the problem of getting from home to the bus stop, and vice versa. This part of a journey can be a major barrier for many disabled people, and may mean that some people are unable to go out as often as they would like.

Many people (particularly older people) require a door-to-door transport service, which is why there are a number of disability or community transport services in operation. The principal ones are outlined below. These services are of particular importance in more rural areas where there may be greater distance between public transport stops.

Dial-a-Ride

Dial-a-Ride services operate on designated routes, picking people up from their home and taking them back after a trip into town or to the supermarket. Booking by telephone is usually necessary so that the driver knows whom he or she needs to collect on the way. Dial-a-Ride services often operate on particular routes on certain days of the week, and are run by volunteers. The minibuses used often have a tail-lift for wheelchairs, and the drivers help people to get on and off.

Taxicard/voucher

Some areas operate a taxicard/voucher scheme. Eligibility for a taxicard/voucher is often in the form of a referral note from a GP. Once a person has a card, they are entitled to concessions on taxi fares. The combination of this scheme and the Taxi Accessibility Regulations in the DDA should enable more disabled people to use and afford taxi travel.

Shopmobility

Shopmobility schemes provide a very different service from the two described above. By lending out wheelchairs (manual and/or powered) and scooters, they enable people with reduced mobility to travel around a town, often independently. The schemes are often run from premises in a car park or shopping centre.

The coverage of such schemes is growing each year as people realise how valued they are in other towns. They provide an important transport link between the private car, taxi, accessible bus or Dial-a-Ride scheme (and other similar schemes) and the town centre. There is little incentive for a person with limited mobility to travel into town if they are unable to get around the shops once they are dropped off there. Shopmobility fills this transport gap.

Key advice for access groups: for an up-to-date list of schemes, or to find out if there is a scheme in your area, visit the National Federation of Shopmobility's website.

Community car

Community car schemes operate and enable people with reduced mobility to make necessary trips to the doctor, shops or social visits to friends or relatives. Community car drivers use their own vehicles to carry the passengers to their destination. They have to be booked in advance and a small mileage charge is often made. Again, such schemes are run by volunteers.

Key advice for access groups: contact your local Access Officer or Public Transport Officer to find out what disability and community transport services are available in your locality. This information can then be passed onto any members of your group who would benefit from such services, and to anyone who contacts your group about the scheme.