By Caroline Whitney, Director for England
In April 2026, the Department for Transport published Better Connected, its long-term strategy for transport in England. It sits above the new Local Transport Plan guidance and is the document everything else in local transport is now meant to flow from. The good news for us is that community transport is named directly, in places that count.
By David Kelly, our Head of Policy and Campaigns
CTA has published a new infographic setting out key findings from our D1 Licensing Campaign survey and consultation.
Between January and April 2026, we heard from over 400 respondents from Community Transport Operators across the UK about how the current D1 licensing rules are affecting their ability to recruit drivers, meet demand and sustain services.
The message from the sector is clear: driver shortages are already having a real impact on community transport.
By Caroline Whitney, Director for England
On 2 April 2026, the Department for Transport published its new statutory guidance on Local Transport Plans (LTPs). It applies to local transport authorities in England outside London, and sets out how they should put together the plans that will shape transport in their area for the next 10 to 20 years.
By Caroline Whitney, our Director for England
Our recent fuel crisis impact survey gathered responses from 291 operators across England to understand how rising fuel prices are affecting community transport services. The results painted a concerning picture of a sector under severe and worsening pressure, with serious consequences looming for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities if fuel prices do not reduce soon.
By David Kelly, our Head of Policy and Campaigns
It had been a long time coming.
After more than four years of campaigning – and countless meetings, letters, budget representations, briefings and social media posts later – we watched as the Chancellor of the Exchequer rose to address the House of Commons on 21 May 2026.
Cross-border health transport is a significant and growing area of need for patients, leading to increased demand on the Community Transport sector. Most of this demand is currently being met by volunteers, an almost invisible workforce that is directly enabling health and wellbeing for patients in Wales and England, that is under increasing pressure.
By David Kelly, our Head of Policy and Campaigns
You cannot fail to have noticed the growing buzz around Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in the UK. The number of politicians, journalists and investors talking up the new technology is only increasing, while firms and transport authorities are launching new tests and trials with great fanfare.
Transport is fundamental infrastructure for our lives, both individually and collectively. We believe that everyone should have access to transport that meets their needs; to enable them to access work and education, to socialise and connect with the people and places they love, to stay healthy and well, to care for others and receive care in turn.
Volunteer car schemes play a crucial yet often overlooked role in community transport. Despite their widespread presence, many operate under the radar due to informal structures and limited visibility. Our research takes a closer look at how these schemes function across England, with a particular focus on their long-term sustainability and potential for future development.
During the workshop, you'll be invited to share your views and experiences on:
• How volunteer car schemes are currently operating, highlighting a range of delivery models
Scotland will go to the polls on 7 May to elect a new Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. What does the Community Transport movement need from our future MSPs and the next Scottish Government over the next five years?