The wonderfully named Dream Team at Pembrokeshire People First, a charity that supports those with a learning disability, joined CTA and Transport for Wales at an engagement event on Bus Reform in South West Wales. They had been thinking about the issues facing them and their friends when trying to use or access transport in what is quite a rural area. We held a space for a chat workshop where they could look at the reforms proposed and discuss the barriers they faced.

“Change is going to happen anyway, so it’s better if you plan for it.”

These were the words of one operator when Emma Bingham, Development Manager for Wales, and I first started asking about succession planning. It’s one of those topics that we all know is important but may put off as it may not seem urgent. Yet if we don’t consider succession planning it can create challenges if someone leaves suddenly, leaving a gap in the organisation which may affect service delivery, reputation or relationships.

As we kick off our third CTWeek, it gives us all a chance to pause and reflect on all the incredible work happening within Community Transport across the UK. In a sector as diverse and fast-moving as ours, it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges and lose sight of the bigger picture.

CTWeek reminds us to take a step back and celebrate what we’ve achieved together.

At CTA, we are focused on looking ahead and reaffirming our purpose to create a sector that is strong, sustainable and prepared for the future.

Motability Foundation Reopens Community Transport Grants

There are 16 million disabled people in the UK, making up more than one-fifth of the population. However, disabled people often struggle to make journeys due to a lack of accessible transport options. The Community Transport (CT) sector provides inclusive and affordable travel options, supporting disabled people to make essential journeys.

The new Bus Services (Wales) Bill (Bill linked here) that is currently being scrutinised represents the most significant change to bus legislation in Wales for more than a generation, so it’s been vital for us at CTA to work closely with officials to represent you, our members, and the communities you support, as the legislation was drafted and began the scrutiny process.