Driving Sustainability: Evaluating and Future-Proofing Volunteer Car Schemes

 

Volunteer car schemes are a vital part of community transport, helping people access healthcare, shopping, and social activities. They are often the only option for those living in rural areas or with limited mobility.

Through this research, we aim to:

  • Understand how volunteer car schemes operate across England - investigating and evaluating the range of delivery models.
  • Identify challenges and opportunities for sustainability and future development.
  • Develop practical guidance and resources for operators.

 

Why This Matters

  • 41% of community transport operators run volunteer car schemes, yet we know little about their scale and diversity, as many operate outside of formal membership structures due to limited turnover and the absence of permit requirements..
  • These schemes provide essential journeys for older people, those with disabilities, and isolated communities often with a focus on health journeys.
  • With demand growing, we need to ensure these services can thrive.

Your input will help shape recommendations that support operators and strengthen these lifeline services.

 

Current Stage of Research

We are in the evidence-gathering phase. 

diagram showing the stages of the research listed with the Focus group stage circled

Here’s what’s happening now:

  • Focus groups with operators and commissioners are underway.
  • First session was held with operators and commissioners in Devon (July 2025).
  • Two online sessions scheduled for November 2025.
    Book your place now
  • More in-person sessions coming soon.

 

What’s Next

After focus groups, we will:

  • Analyse findings from the sessions.
  • Undertake targeted interviews to fill any gaps in our intelligence
  • Release a survey to create a strong picture of the sector
  • Develop resources and guidance for operators.
  • Share recommendations with the sector, including a review of how these schemes are currently delivered, identification of key challenges and proposed recommendations for sustainable, scalable solutions to meet the evolving needs of volunteer car schemes.

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This research will focus on collecting evidence and insights from CTO’s in;

North West, East of England, South Central, South West Gateway, South West Peninsular 

We welcome views and involvement from all operators across England.

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