Miles of Impact: Throughout the Years of Community Transport

This year’s CT26 Awards will be especially significant as we celebrate 40 years of Community Transport Association (CTA). Since CTA was founded in 1986, the sector has grown into a vital network of organisations, volunteers and services connecting people to healthcare, education, employment and their communities.

The upcoming CT26 Awards are an opportunity not only to recognise the incredible achievements taking place across the sector today, but also to reflect on the rich history, dedication and innovation that have shaped community transport over the years.

As we come together to celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’ll honour the people and organisations whose passion and commitment continue to drive community transport forward and ensure it remains a lifeline for millions of people across the UK.

In this blog, we are shining a spotlight on some of the incredible organisations that have contributed to the sector by reflecting on the stories, achievements, milestones and memories that have shaped their journeys so far.

The People Behind the Wheel

Community transport begins with people who want to make a difference. Behind every journey is a network of volunteers, staff and long-serving individuals who share a passion for providing accessible transport to those who need it most.

One of those individuals is Kelvin Cochrane from HcL, who has dedicated an incredible 39 years to the organisation. When Kelvin first applied for a role at HcL, he was initially unsuccessful. However, fate had other plans. A few weeks later, after the successful candidate failed to turn up, Kelvin received a knock on his door from HcL’s West Lothian District Organiser offering him the chance to become a driver. From there, Kelvin worked his way through the organisation before becoming CEO in 2014, a role he continues to hold today. In 2022, HcL celebrated its 40th anniversary - a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to accessible transport.

Images of Kelvin Cochrane – HCL then and now

Founded in 2002, Age UK Cornwall has also spent more than two decades supporting its community through transport services. Volunteer driver Michael shared how the experience has impacted him personally: “Working as a volunteer driver has opened my eyes to what is truly important - I am a better person for the experience”.

For some, community transport has become a lifelong commitment. Eunice was one of the founding members of the South West Ross Community Car Scheme and remains involved 23 years later as a volunteer telephonist. Inspired after learning from another community car scheme in 2003, she helped get the service up and running within just three months. Over the years, she has witnessed the growing importance of the scheme, particularly as other local transport services disappeared.

Marcus, recruited by his wife who was also a founding member, continues to support the scheme today through prescription deliveries and his role on the board. For Marcus, volunteering has not only helped others but has also strengthened his own connection to the community through the friendships, stories and relationships built along the way.

On the left: Eunice. On the right: Marcus – South West Ross Community Car Scheme

Badenoch and Strathspey Community Connections volunteers Helen and Torquil shared their experiences as volunteer drivers, reflecting on their passengers: “They give you so many laughs and you learn so much from them as well. You both get something out of it”. Torquil added “it’s life affirming. It is really good fun and I wouldn’t miss it”.

Community transport volunteers come from all walks of life. Dial-a-Ride Denbighshire shared stories and photographs below of volunteers and the careers they held before stepping into volunteering, demonstrating that anyone can make a difference within their community.

At The Banffshire Partnership, volunteers have been MiDAS trained since 2003, helping to ensure they receive the highest standard of training and safety support when transporting passengers. Their long-standing commitment to accessible, safe and comfortable community transport has helped build confidence for both volunteers and the people who rely on the service every day.

Images shared by LCTS from their archives (formerly known as Edinburgh Voluntary Transport)

Journey's that Changed Lives

Community transport is about far more than simply reaching a destination. For many passengers, these services provide reassurance, independence and a vital connection to the outside world.

The story of 79-year-old Edith highlights the life-changing impact community transport can have. Living alone with no immediate family, Edith relied on Age UK Cornwall to take her to oncology appointments following the Covid-19 lockdown, when navigating transport options became increasingly difficult.
Initially apprehensive about using the service, Edith recalled repeatedly calling to check everything was still going ahead and whether her driver would arrive. Those worries quickly disappeared when her volunteer driver Roy arrived early for the journey.

Edith shared: “I couldn’t believe that volunteers were able to provide a service straight from my front door to Treliske and back again. I must admit, I wasn’t feeling my best after my treatment, but just like he promised, Roy was there waiting for me. I cannot tell you what a relief it was to see a smiling face and get home safely”.
Long-time service user of Badenoch and Strathspey Community Connections, Babs, talked about what the transport organisation means to her, simply stating: “It’s a lifeline”.

For Claire and Martin, community transport became part of one of the most important days of their lives. The couple chose Borders Wheels for their wedding transport after years of positive experiences using the service.
Claire explained: “They have always treated us with care and respect and have never let us down over the many years we’ve used their brilliant service. That’s why we chose Border Wheels for our big day”.

Claire explained: “They have always treated us with care and respect and have never let us down over the many years we’ve used their brilliant service. That’s why we chose Border Wheels for our big day”. Image of the Borders Wheels vehicle used at Claire and Martin’s wedding below.

Royal Voluntary Service demonstrates the many different ways community transport has supported people over generations. Their story began during the 1940s, transporting patients in voluntary ambulances throughout the war. Over time, their services evolved through initiatives including the “Spare a Mile” scheme in the 1950s and the “Social Car Service” in the 1970s, with community transport support continuing to this day.

Image from RVS of an injured person being put into a voluntary ambulance vehicle during the war.

The sector has also played a critical role during times of crisis. Reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic, Gary Toner, Lead Operations Manager at HcL, described it as one of the organisation’s proudest moments.

“We diversified and undertook some vital work providing free journeys for both patients and nurses to vaccination centres. We also worked in partnership with other third sector organisations to provide meals and deliver food to people who were isolated and vulnerable”.

Sometimes, it is the small moments that leave the biggest impression. Colin Sutton, the longest-serving volunteer at Portlethen and District Voluntary Community Ambulance, shared the story of a passenger who insisted on giving drivers a chocolate bar after every journey as a thank you. A simple gesture, but one that perfectly captures the gratitude many passengers feel towards the people who help them get where they need to be.

Growing with Communities

As communities evolve, so too does community transport. Across the UK, organisations continue adapting to changing needs while remaining rooted in their mission to reduce isolation and improve accessibility.

Providing accessible transport in rural areas remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges. Sanday Afternoon Club is one organisation that has continually responded to the needs of its local community. Formed in 1993, the club was initially created to provide social opportunities for over-50s on the island and help reduce loneliness and isolation. By 1997, the organisation had acquired its first minibus, and it has now been a CTA member for more than 26 years.

Pictured below is two of Sanday Afternoon Club’s longest standing members, Jean and Maurice Soord.

The Banffshire Partnership has also highlighted the importance of transport in rural communities. CEO Duncan Lees reflected on the organisation’s achievements, saying:

“We are proud of our growth and achievements, and our relevance to our local community, where, due to the rural nature of the northeast of Scotland, transport and access to services is hugely important. We are proud too of being part of the CTA and the community transport movement as a whole”.

Many organisations continue to innovate and adapt their fleets to meet future challenges. Age UK Cornwall, for example, has embraced more sustainable transport options through the addition of electric vehicles to its fleet.

They shared: “Throughout this time, we have developed a strong fleet that includes minibuses, volunteer car schemes, dial-a-ride services, the Buzza Bus, and have proudly integrated eight eco-friendly electric vehicles”.

Other organisations have continued evolving over decades of service. One operator recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, having steadily expanded its fleet through community fundraising as demand for accessible transport increased. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation adapted its services to deliver boxed afternoon teas to older residents, stopping for socially distanced chats to help reduce isolation and loneliness. Today, Bertie Bus continues to be entirely volunteer-led which is a testament to the strength and commitment of the local community.

Images show photos from Bertie Bus then and now.

A Lasting Legacy

Community transport has always been about more than simply getting from A to B. It is about connection, independence, friendship and ensuring that no one is left behind. The stories shared throughout this blog demonstrate the incredible dedication, compassion and resilience of the people and organisations that make up the community transport sector.

From volunteers who have given decades of service, to organisations adapting through innovation, sustainability and new ways of supporting their communities, the shared mission has remained the same: helping people stay connected and improving lives through accessible transport.

As communities continue to evolve, so too will community transport - continuing to combat isolation, support rural and urban communities alike, and provide lifelines for future generations. Behind every journey is a story, and together these stories show the extraordinary impact community transport continues to have across the UK.

Thank you to all of our members and community transport organisations, past and present, for everything you do to keep communities moving.

A collage of images of photos from the past from various community transport organisations, HCL, CTLA, Nailsea & District, RVS, Dial-a-Ride Denbighshire, The Bertie Bus, Green Dragon, Sanday Afternoon Club, Portlethen and District Community Ambulance, The Banffshire Partnership