Navigating East Hampshire: Your Guide to Accessible Transport

Getting around East Hampshire, whether for essential appointments, shopping, or social outings, can sometimes be a challenge, especially for those without access to private vehicles or regular public transport. Fortunately, a robust network of community and accessible transport services operates throughout the region, offering vital lifelines and enhancing independence for residents. This comprehensive guide delves into the various options available, highlighting their services, accessibility features, and how you can access them.

Community Transport: A Lifeline in East Hampshire

At the heart of East Hampshire's community transport provision is the Good Neighbours Network. This remarkable initiative provides governance support to over 100 independent, self-sustaining Good Neighbours groups across Hampshire. These groups are instrumental in helping local people with a variety of needs, including transport to medical appointments, assistance with shopping, and prescription collection, fostering a strong sense of community support.

Key Local Good Neighbours Network Services:

Within East Hampshire, several dedicated groups operate under the Good Neighbours Network, tailoring their services to meet specific local needs:

• Bordon and Whitehill Voluntary Car Service: This service provides vital transport for residents to medical appointments, excluding those in London. Operating on a cost-effective basis, it charges 45p per mile or a flat rate of £3 for local journeys. You can contact them on 07596 701312 to arrange your travel.
• Petersfield Voluntary Care Group: Based out of Winton House, this group runs a bookable car service. With just 24 hours' notice, clients can arrange transport for GP appointments, hospital visits, prescription collections, and shopping trips. While a small donation is requested to cover transport costs, Ukrainian refugees are kindly offered the service free of charge.
• Grayshott Community Care: Covering the GU26 area, this organisation provides a volunteer-led community transport service. Their phoneline is available Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, and can be reached on 07498 068224.

Connect Call & Go East Hampshire: Your Flexible Travel Solution

One of the most significant transport schemes in the area is Connect Call & Go East Hampshire. This service, an HCC (Hampshire County Council) initiative operated locally by Community First, is specifically designed for anyone whose transport needs are not adequately met by conventional public transport. It offers a highly flexible and affordable solution, often cheaper than local bus services and certainly more wallet-friendly than a traditional taxi.

Connect Call & Go prides itself on its accessibility, with all its vehicles being wheelchair accessible. Their safety-trained drivers are on hand to assist passengers with boarding and to provide support throughout the journey. A fantastic feature of this service is that essential companions can ride for free, making it even more convenient for those who require assistance.

Connect Call & Go Travel Timetable (Bordon Pickups):

The service operates on specific days, catering to different destinations:

• Every Tuesday: Services run from Bordon and surrounding villages to Alton, and vice versa.
• Every Wednesday: Transport is provided from Bordon and surrounding villages to Petersfield, and for the return journey.
• Last Saturday of Every Month: Connect Call & Go runs popular 'Outings' service trips to various destinations such as Portsmouth, Worthing, garden centres, and Reading, at a return cost of £12. These trips offer a fantastic opportunity for a change of scenery and social engagement.
• Local Health Stops: The service also covers essential local health stops, including GP surgeries.

Connect Call & Go Havant operates similarly, serving the Southern Parishes within the district, further extending the reach of this vital transport network.

Connect East Hampshire Contact and Booking Details:

Booking your journey requires at least six days' notice to ensure availability. The team is ready to assist with bookings and enquiries:

• Telephone: 01420 475759 (Monday-Friday: 08:30 am - 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm - 4:15 pm). An answerphone service is available outside these hours; remember to leave your name and mobile number for a callback.
• Email: [email protected]

This invaluable service is generously funded by Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council, demonstrating their commitment to local accessibility.

Dedicated Minibus Hire and Companion Services

Beyond scheduled routes, East Hampshire also offers dedicated hire options and personalised companion services, providing even greater flexibility for individuals and groups.

Community First Minibus Hire:

Community First extends its services to include a fully accessible minibus hire. This service is available to members for both regular and one-off trips, offering convenient door-to-door service when needed. Groups have the option to hire the minibus with a qualified driver provided by Community First, or they can supply their own qualified driver, making it an adaptable solution for various group transport needs.

Alton Community Bus:

The Alton Community Bus is another fully accessible minibus available for hire, specifically for charity, support, or community purposes. It plays a significant role in local community life, for example, by transporting a group of elderly individuals to a community club every Tuesday. Its accessibility ensures that a wide range of community members can benefit.

Driving Miss Daisy:

Operating from Alton, Driving Miss Daisy offers more than just transport; it's a driving and companion service. This personal touch makes it ideal for individuals requiring assistance beyond simple transportation. They provide transport to medical appointments, shopping trips, and social outings. The cost varies depending on the client's specific needs and the service offered. Crucially, most of the vehicles operated by Driving Miss Daisy are fully accessible, catering to clients with mobility challenges.

These services underscore the commitment to ensuring that residents have multiple avenues for safe, comfortable, and accessible travel, irrespective of their specific needs.

Are Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Available?

A resounding yes! The availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles is a cornerstone of transport provision in East Hampshire. Several services prioritise and guarantee accessibility, ensuring that mobility is not a barrier to participation in daily life.

• Connect East Hampshire: As highlighted, all Connect East Hampshire vehicles are fully wheelchair accessible, with trained drivers ready to assist passengers.
• Community First Minibus Hire: Their minibuses are fully accessible, designed to accommodate wheelchairs and provide comfortable travel.
• Alton Community Bus: This community vehicle is also fully accessible, making group outings and club attendance possible for all.
• Driving Miss Daisy: Most vehicles in their fleet are equipped to be fully accessible, offering personalised transport with the necessary adaptations.

Transmobility: Specialists in Disability Transport

When it comes to dedicated disability transport, Transmobility stands out. Beginning as a local wheelchair taxi specialist, Transmobility has grown significantly while retaining its core focus on providing professional and accessible transportation solutions across Hampshire and surrounding areas. They are a go-to choice for transport for elderly and disabled people.

Transmobility's services have expanded to include airport transfers and general minibus hire, but their specialisation in disability transport remains paramount. They are committed to ensuring that no one misses out on important events due to a lack of suitable transport. Their diverse fleet is designed to accommodate varying needs, and their dedicated team and drivers go above and beyond to provide tailored support, understanding that every individual's requirements are unique.

Shopmobility Schemes: Mobility on Demand

For those needing temporary mobility assistance within town centres, Shopmobility schemes offer convenient solutions:

• Alton Shopmobility: Run by the Alton Community Association from the Community Centre, this scheme offers mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs for hire by the hour. For more details, call 01420 85057.
• Petersfield Shopmobility: Operated by the South Downs Association of Disabled People, this scheme is located in the Central Car Park, close to Ramswalk Shopping Precinct. It's open five days a week, Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm. Call 01730 710474 for further information.

Wheels to Work: Empowering Younger People

While not a minibus service, 'Wheels to Work' is an important transport initiative delivered by Community First in East Hampshire. This HCC moped loan service is specifically targeted at younger individuals across the district who lack access to private or public transport. It provides a crucial means for them to independently get to work, apprenticeships, training, or job interviews. Mopeds are hired following a refundable deposit of £100, with a weekly cost dependent on the hirer's age and the moped's size.

Comparing Transport Services in East Hampshire

To help you navigate the various options, here's a comparison of some key transport services:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do I need to book these transport services in advance?

A1: Yes, for most services, advance booking is essential. For Connect East Hampshire, you need to provide at least six days' notice to ensure availability. Other services like Petersfield Voluntary Care Group require 24 hours' notice. It's always best to contact the specific service provider as early as possible to confirm their booking requirements and secure your journey.

Q2: Are all community transport services free of charge?

A2: No, while many community transport services aim to be affordable, most are not entirely free. Some, like the Bordon and Whitehill Voluntary Car Service, charge a per-mile rate or a flat local fee. Others, like the Petersfield Voluntary Care Group, request a small donation to cover costs. Connect East Hampshire offers fares that are generally cheaper than public buses. Services like Community First Minibus Hire and Driving Miss Daisy operate on a hire fee basis. It is always recommended to check the specific cost structure with the service when booking.

Q3: Can I hire a minibus for a group trip or special event?

A3: Absolutely. Services like Community First Minibus Hire and the Alton Community Bus are specifically available for group hire. Community First Minibus Hire can be booked by members for regular or one-off trips, with the option of providing your own qualified driver or hiring one from them. The Alton Community Bus is available for specific charity, support, or community purposes. These options are ideal for organised group outings, ensuring everyone can travel together comfortably and conveniently, often with accessible features.

East Hampshire is well-served by a diverse range of transport options, from community-led volunteer car services to dedicated accessible minibus and companion services. Whether you need regular transport for appointments, assistance with shopping, or simply want to enjoy a social outing, there's a solution available. We encourage all residents to explore these valuable resources to enhance their mobility and maintain their independence within our vibrant community. By understanding the choices available and how to access them, navigating East Hampshire becomes a far less daunting task.

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