Identifying the best approach to expand transport options in your community

At this stage of the process you will have completed your transport audit and assessed the results of the travel questionnaire. This information will give you the information to ascertain resident’s transport options and detail of their needs. A holistic assessment of these outcomes combined with knowledge of local services will help in finding the right solutions for your community.

In many cases, local needs can be met through existing transport options, local services, small-scale improvements, or collaborative approaches that are more cost-effective and sustainable. It is important to consider the strengths of your community when finding the best solutions. An example of a strength would be your resident’s willingness to work together to support each other.

This section outlines a range of practical solutions to consider.

Raise awareness of existing services

Many residents may be unaware of the transport options already available, or how to access them.

For detailed guidance on leaflets, formats, and digital tools, see Communicating local transport options.

Expand an existing service

Rather than setting up a new service, it may be more effective to:

• talk to local operators about extending routes or adding journeys - small changes can meet local demand
• work with nearby areas to coordinate services and improve coverage
• support informal options like lift-sharing, community car use or volunteer drivers

These options are often more flexible and cost-effective than purchasing a dedicated vehicle.

Develop a New Transport Service

In cases where existing services cannot meet local demand, developing a new transport service may be appropriate. This approach enables communities to create flexible and innovative transport solutions that reflect local priorities and respond directly to identified gaps - e.g. access to a specific local town on market day.

Link to the wider network

Designing services that link to mainline bus or rail routes can:

• improve access to a wider range of destinations
• reduce operational costs
• increase the long-term viability of your service

Coordinate with local transport operators to ensure schedules align and that any changes are communicated clearly.

Promote walking and cycling

Encourage active travel for short journeys by:

• sharing local walking and cycling maps
• improving footpaths and signage
• installing bike racks or secure storage

Bring services to the community

If transport to a service is difficult, consider bringing the service to your parish.

For example:

• supermarkets now deliver to most addresses - promoting this can reduce shopping trips for those without transport
• research mobile health clinics or visiting healthcare professionals
• organise fitness classes or social activities in local venues
• parcel lockers or secure delivery hubs can be installed at community centres or shops

Coordinate with health services

If transport to medical appointments is limited, speak with providers. You may be able to:

• organise group appointments on certain days
• prioritise patients with limited travel options

Work with neighbouring parishes

If nearby parishes have similar needs, consider working together. Joint services can reduce costs, improve coverage and make more efficient use of shared resources.

Report local issues that affect travel

Sometimes people avoid using transport because of infrastructure issues such as broken streetlights or poor access at bus stops.

Encourage residents to report these problems so they can be fixed. To report an issue, see the report a problem page.

Support local businesses and services

People may be travelling elsewhere when they could be using local shops and other services.