Our D1 Licensing Campaign

Icon image of a driver's license

D1: Safeguarding Community Transport’s future through driver licensing changes 

Community Transport across the UK is facing a serious and growing shortage of qualified minibus drivers, which is already disrupting essential services, restricting innovation and growth and threatening the long-term sustainability of our movement.

The core issue lies in current driver licensing rules. Drivers must hold a minibus (category D1) licence to operate minibuses weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, either by test or for those who acquired a car (category B) licence before 1997.

Modernising for Growth

electric minibus with green livery

CTA has five Policy & Research priorities which focus our work as the voice of the Community Transport sector.

1.    Modernising for Growth
2.    Improving Access to Health & Social Care
3.    Investing in Community Solutions
4.    Accelerating Community-Led Climate Action
5.    Delivering a Fair Deal for Volunteers

CT Data and Insights

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We believe in evidence-based public policy and in the power of stories to change minds and change lives. 

Whether its personal testimonials or long-term statistical trends, data and insights from the expertise and lived experience of Community Transport operators, passengers, volunteers and supporters enrich our collective understanding of our sector, giving us the evidence we need to secure more funding, shape a new strategy or change the law.

#CommunitySolutions: A Manifesto

illustration showing a yellow, blue and red town scape with mini bus and ambulance

A Better Future for Transport: National Challenges, Community Solutions

We believe everyone should have access to local transport which meets their needs. Do you?

Our Manifesto for the UK General Election – A Better Future for Transport: National Challenges, Community Solutions – calls for a new and dynamic partnership between the UK Government, CTA and the Community Transport sector.

It’s time for #CommunitySolutions to our national challenges:

Policy & Research

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We believe that everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, should have access to local transport which meets their needs. 

We fight for this every day by gathering evidence, engaging with politicians and conducting research which can change lives through policy, regulation and legislation.

CTA responds to the Consultation on Northern Ireland’s Concessionary Fares Scheme

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is currently reviewing the Concessionary Fares Scheme, which provides free or discounted travel on public transport for older people and people with disabilities in Northern Ireland. The Scheme is funded by the Department and delivered by Translink, the main public transport operator in Northern Ireland. Through the Assisted Rural Transport Fund, SmartPasses can also be used on Rural Community Transport Partnerships Dial-a-lift journeys.  

Policy Win: CTA Welcomes DfT’s New MaaS Code of Practice

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We welcome DfT’s new Code of Practice for Mobility as a Service, which prioritises accessibility, digital inclusion and Community Transport.


Back in May 2022, CTA published our response to the Department for Transport (DfT)’s consultation on proposals for a new Code of Practice for Mobility as a Service (also known as MaaS), which could have significant implications for the Community Transport sector.

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