The Princess of Wales Experiences Community Transport First Hand in West Sussex

By Abi Shotter, Development Officer for England

The Princess of Wales visited West Sussex Minibus, joining passengers on board one of their services before spending time at Pulborough's weekly lunch club.

The visit provided a unique opportunity for Her Royal Highness to see first-hand the life changing impact of community transport and the vital role it plays in helping people remain connected to their communities.

Behind the Visit

The Community Transport Association (CTA) worked closely with the West Sussex Minibus and the Princess's team to organise a visit that would give a genuine insight into the incredible work being carried out across the community.

Alongside experiencing a typical West Sussex Minibus journey, the visit also included time with Pulborough & District Community Care Association, whose weekly lunch club, car scheme and wider support services provide invaluable opportunities for local people to stay active, independent and socially connected.

From the outset, the aim was simple: to showcase the people at the heart of community transport and the organisations that work tirelessly to support them every day.

A Journey That Tells a Story

To begin the visit, Abi joined Kay, who is a Passenger Assistant and Driver at West Sussex Minibus, and Terri, one of the organisation's dedicated Drivers, as we collected passengers from across the local area.

There was a real sense of excitement amongst those travelling that day, with the passengers dressing up for the visit. Several passengers spoke about how much they were looking forward to meeting the Princess and how important the minibus service is to their daily lives.

After collecting the Princess, the group continued the journey, picking up further passengers along the route. As the bus travelled through the community, Her Royal Highness spent time chatting with passengers about their lives and how they first became involved with West Sussex Minibus.

Some shared stories of discovering the service themselves, while others spoke about family members who had used it before them. With West Sussex Minibus celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, there were even stories from passengers in their 90s whose parents had relied on the service decades earlier.

Throughout the journey, passengers explained how much they value the service and the friendships and connections it helps them maintain. The Princess listened attentively as they described the importance of having accessible, reliable transport that enables them to continue getting out, meeting people and taking part in activities they enjoy.

More Than Just Transport

One of the strongest messages from the day was that community transport is about far more than getting from A to B.

Abi had the opportunity to speak with several passengers about what the service means to them. Many explained that without West Sussex Minibus, they would struggle to leave home regularly. The door-to-door nature of the service removes barriers that many people face, helping them remain active and connected to their communities.

The passengers also spoke warmly about the people behind the service, highlighting how Kay, Terri and the wider team consistently go above and beyond to support them. Whether it's a friendly chat, practical assistance or simply providing a familiar face, these small acts make a huge difference.

For many passengers, the service is their gateway to socialising, maintaining friendships and enjoying days out that might otherwise be out of reach.

A Warm Welcome at the Lunch Club

The visit concluded at Pulborough Village Hall, where the Princess joined attendees at the weekly lunch club.

The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful as Her Royal Highness moved around the room, speaking with guests and hearing about their experiences. There was plenty of laughter and conversation as attendees shared stories about the local community and the importance of the support available to them.

The Princess also spent time speaking with volunteers from West Sussex Minibus, representatives from CTA and those involved with the lunch club, gaining a broader understanding of the role community transport plays in supporting independence, wellbeing and social connection.

What the Visit Meant to West Sussex Minibus

For West Sussex Minibus, the visit held particular significance as the organisation celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. 

Reflecting on the day, Kay from West Sussex Minibus said:

"It’s our 50th anniversary this year, so to have this type of visit from such a high-profile person on this occasion is absolutely incredible for the organisation. But equally from the members standpoint, when I phoned the ladies that were going to be on the Pulborough bus last night it was really quite touching how overwhelmed they were. You just know that that's going to stay with them as such an incredible memory and that really makes you tremendously happy to think that you've made their day."

Shining a Light on Community Transport

The visit highlighted the often unseen but essential role community transport plays in people's lives.

Every day, organisations like West Sussex Minibus and Pulborough Community Care Association help people stay connected, maintain their independence and continue participating in their communities. Yesterday's visit brought well deserved attention to that work and, most importantly, to the passengers whose lives are enriched by these services.

For everyone involved, it was a memorable day. For many of the passengers, it was a once in a lifetime experience. But it also served as a powerful reminder of the value of community transport and the difference it makes every single day.