Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about our community travel, please have a look at our frequently asked questions below.

If you still have any questions, then please contact us on 01454 228706

Q: Can I book my own lunch or dinner trip?

Yes, using the Ring and Ride service provided the booking is with our area.

Q: Why is there a limit on the number of shopping bags one can bring on the bus?

This is a health and safety issue – too many bags can block emergency exits.

Q: Why do you do trips?

It is our intention to provide varied transport to individuals including addressing social isolation and improving well being.

Q. What times are you open?

Our office is open from 9am-3pm, at times our phone lines can get busy so please try us again or feel free to leave a message and we can call you back. We have two phone lines; 01454 227364 and 01454 228706

Q: Why can’t I take my dog?

We can transport assistance dogs but we cannot transport pets unfortunately.

Q: How far in advance can I book?

For medical appointments we ask for as much notice as possible. We will also book social appointments as soon as a passenger would like to book. We tell our passengers that medical appointments take priority so we may change a time for a shopping trip if it means we can get a passenger to their medical appointment. We may phone passengers to alter times of bookings to ensure we are following the most economic route. With regards to shopping we may ask passengers to change their time so we can ensure maximum vehicle occupancy.

Q: How do I book a return journey?

We book return journeys at the same time, so if you were going shopping we’d ask how long you want. Medical appointments we tend to give roughly an hour, for hospital appointments with Voluntary Car it works slightly differently. Drivers will wait up to 90 minutes and if you need longer we may arrange a double journey but this would be discussed with you at the time of booking.

Q: Can I take a walking aid?

Yes, provided it is requested at time of booking (as we need to make space available and arrange clamps for securing your aid safely). When you register we’ll ask for details of an mobility aids you may need.

Q: When do you operate?

Ring and Ride runs from Monday-Friday 07:30am-5pm

Outside of these times we can approach our voluntary car team for special journeys.

Q: Why can’t I book transport on the same day?

Drivers’ log sheets for the following days’ bookings go out the night before – which would not enable us to add others. Also, we do not have a Hackney licence like taxis and therefore cannot take same day bookings.

Q: Can you provide hospital transport?

Short answer is YES!! We have a wonderful team of volunteers who help to get passengers to hospital and we also have volunteers that can drive our own accessible vehicles. This service gets particularly busy so we ask for as much notice as possible.

Q: Can I travel with my Wheelchair

Short answer is YES! We will do a wheelchair assessment to make sure your wheelchair is crash tested and look at what restraints need to be used for travel, we will then give you a wheelchair passport.

Q: I’m still unsure!

Whenever in doubt just give us a call:  01454 228706 or 01454 227364 we are always happy to answer any questions or queries.

Q: How do I know if I live in an area eligible to join?

We have a map of our membership area available to view below. All residences & groups within the zone and meet the membership criteria are able to join. But if you have any doubts or if your local community transport provider has been unable to help you then please call us as we may still be able to assist.

Q: How can I find out about volunteering?

We are always looking for new volunteers to join us.

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please checkout the volunteering area of our website here, or give us a call if you’d like to pop in for a cuppa and a chat.

Q: What are your fares and charges

Our prices depend on the service required, please get in touch for the latest information, or see our terms and conditions for up to date pricing.