Communicating local transport options

This guide is designed to support Parish Councils and community groups in effectively informing residents about local transport services. It outlines what to include and how to present it for maximum impact.

Planning your communications

Before creating content, consider:

  • who you are trying to reach (e.g. older residents, families, commuters)
  • how they prefer to receive information (online, printed, or both)
  • what resources you have available (time, budget, volunteers)

A blended approach, using both digital and printed formats, can help ensure no one is left out.

Digital communications

Digital formats are flexible, cost-effective, and usually easy to update. They can reach a wide audience and are ideal for sharing timely updates.

Recommended digital channels to use are:

  • a dedicated transport page on your parish website
  • downloadable PDFs or interactive guides
  • social media (Facebook, Nextdoor, WhatsApp groups)
  • email newsletters or e-bulletins
  • QR codes on noticeboards linking to online resources

Digital formats you could use could include:

  • a 'Getting around locally' section on your website
  • a carousel of transport options on social media
  • a monthly transport update in your e-newsletter
  • a Google Map with clickable icons for services

Printed communications

Printed materials remain essential for residents without internet access and for use in public spaces.

Printed leaflets are most effective when:

  • displayed on community noticeboards
  • included in parish newsletters or magazines
  • distributed at community events or local venues

When producing printed materials:

  • use plain English and accessible fonts
  • keep the layout simple and easy to photocopy (consider use of colour or black and white)
  • avoid including timetables (as they could change), link to online sources instead
  • use roles or generic contact points (not personal names)
  • limit print runs to reduce cost and waste
  • include a QR code to link to online content that can be updated
  • consider the folding format (e.g. tri-fold, A5 booklet) and whether the document is single or double-sided

Ask someone not involved in the writing or design to review the leaflet for clarity and accuracy. Repeat this process until confident in the final version.

What to include in your transport communications

In the introduction, clearly explain the purpose, for example:

“This guide brings together all local transport options to help residents access essential services, social activities, and appointments.

Overview the existing transport options, providing a summary of all available services. A community transport audit can help to identify these.

Include:

  • booking methods (phone, online, app)
  • eligibility criteria
  • costs or concessions
  • accessibility features (e.g. wheelchair access)
  • contact details (phone numbers, websites, apps)

Collaborating with neighbouring parishes

Working together can save time and improve consistency. Consider working with other parishes to:

  • produce a joint leaflet or webpage
  • share the workload and reduce duplication
  • coordinate updates and messaging

Additional support and information

You may also want to include:

  • services that travel into your community
  • contact details for local transport coordinators or community connectors
  • information on volunteer driver opportunities
  • how residents can give feedback or suggest improvements

Case study: Copythorne Parish community transport leaflet

In 2022, Copythorne Parish Council developed a community transport leaflet to raise awareness of local travel options. Although several services were available, many residents were unaware of them or unsure how to access them.

The leaflet was designed to be simple, accessible, and easy to distribute. It included details of scheduled bus services, taxishare schemes, voluntary car services, and accessible transport options for people with mobility or sensory difficulties.

Parish councillors worked together to plan the content and layout. The process involved:

  • deciding which services to include and how much detail to provide
  • ensuring consistency in how each service was described
  • keeping the design clear and easy to read
  • confirming contact details and service times with operators

The leaflet was printed in A5 format and folded to A6 for easy handling. Around 500 copies were produced and distributed through the same outlets as the parish newsletter. Councillors also kept copies on hand to give to residents on request.

The leaflet was made available on the parish website and is reviewed annually to keep the information up to date. The same methodology is used each year to ensure the leaflet reflects current services and continues to support residents who rely on community transport.