Community Transport Week 2026: Celebrating the Sector

Community Transport Week 2026 brought organisations, volunteers, passengers and supporters together to celebrate the difference community transport makes to people's lives. Under this year's theme, Driving Communities Forward, the week highlighted the people, partnerships and services that keep communities connected.

Across the country, CTA members and partners marked the occasion in their own ways, from welcoming local politicians and celebrating volunteers to sharing passenger stories and showcasing the impact of their services.

We invited organisations to share what they got up to during the week, and we're delighted to showcase some of their activities and achievements. Thank you to everyone who took part, helped spread the word and demonstrated why community transport matters.

If you'd like us to tell us how you took part in the week, send us an email comms@ctauk.org

Fellrunner Village Bus welcomed local MP

Fellrunner Village Bus welcomed Marcus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, to see first-hand how community transport supports rural communities. The MP met with trustees before travelling on the organisation’s 132 service to Penrith, where he spoke with passengers and the driver about the difference the service makes.

Run entirely by volunteers, Fellrunner connects 57 villages that no longer have their own commercial bus service. The visit highlighted how community transport helps people access essential services, maintain their independence and stay connected, with the MP recognising the service as a lifeline for many local residents.

The Dove Centre demonstrates the power of community transport

The Dove Centre and Dove Partnership welcomed Dr Scott Arthur MP for a visit during CTWeek26 to learn more about the organisation's transport services and the difference they make to local communities.

The organisation operates a fleet of seven fully accessible buses, providing transport for its own service users as well as hiring vehicles, with a driver, to day centres, charities and other not-for-profit organisations. Its team of eight MiDAS-qualified drivers, supported by passenger assistants, helps ensure journeys are safe, comfortable and enjoyable.
 

Last year alone, the team completed 4,042 trips, carrying 27,264 passengers, including 3,233 wheelchair users and 7,131 people using walking aids.

These figures demonstrate the vital role community transport plays in helping people access services, get out and about and maintain their social connections – supporting their health and wellbeing while helping to prevent isolation.

The visit was a great opportunity to showcase the impact of Dove's work and highlight just how much a small fleet can achieve!

Westway CT brings passengers and volunteers together

During Community Transport Week, Westway CT brought passengers and volunteers together for a round table discussion led by Deputy CEO Ryan Price, exploring what community transport means to the people who use and deliver its services.

The conversation highlighted how community transport goes beyond getting people from A to B, helping passengers maintain their independence, make everyday choices and stay socially connected. Volunteers also shared how their roles help them remain active and build connections with others.

One message summed up the discussion perfectly: “People need people.” The session was a powerful reminder that community transport's impact cannot be measured by journeys alone, but by the independence, companionship and opportunities those journeys make possible.

The Friendly Bus takes centre stage in local scarecrow festival!

Community transport took a creative turn during Community Transport Week, as members of a group supported by Shropshire-based charity The Friendly Bus celebrated their local service through a scarecrow competition!

Members of the Let's Get Together group entered Broseley's 2026 Scarecrow Festival, organised by the Broseley Group of Churches, by recreating a Friendly Bus minibus complete with a driver and passengers – including a swimmer and a therapy support dog! Their fantastic entry, which reflected this year's festival theme of travel, was awarded joint second place.

But the entry represented more than just a fun community project. The Friendly Bus helps people access local groups, medical appointments and social trips, providing valuable opportunities for friendship and connection. For some members, these journeys also make activities such as swimming possible – sometimes their only form of exercise.

It's a wonderful reminder that community transport is about much more than getting from A to B. It's about the people we meet along the way, the experiences we can enjoy and the opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
 

Hydro Warriors Wellness Project recognised with Community Service Provider Award

East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership and its partners were recognised at the Tanbridge Business Awards after winning a Community Service Provider Award for their Hydro Warriors Wellness Project by Freedom Leisure and Partners.

The project supports individuals living with fibromyalgia and chronic pain, helping to improve their wellbeing through tailored wellness opportunities.

The award was a fantastic achievement and a fitting recognition of the work taking place throughout the year to support people and strengthen communities. As the team put it, they've been Driving Communities Forward all year!

Congratulations to everyone involved in this well-deserved recognition.

Driving Communities Forward, all year round

From welcoming local MPs and bringing passengers and volunteers together, to celebrating creative community initiatives and award-winning projects, these stories offer just a glimpse of the fantastic work happening across the community transport sector.

Each activity demonstrates something different, but they all share a common purpose: helping people stay connected, maintain their independence and access the opportunities that matter to them.

Community Transport Week may have come to an end, but the dedication, compassion and commitment that drive our sector forward continue throughout the year.

A huge thank you to everyone who shared their stories, photographs and celebrations with us, and to all the organisations, staff and volunteers who make community transport possible. Your work makes a real difference to people's lives and deserves to be celebrated all year round.

Together, we're Driving Communities Forward!

Community Transport Week may be over, our resources remain live for you to use and adapt for other projects: https://ctauk.org/ctweek26-how-get-involved