Public transport options

Getting out and about helps you stay part of the local community. We all need to travel to do things like attend appointments, go shopping, visit friends and family, and take part in social activities. Using public transport is often a great option for getting around in your local area.

Lots of public transport is now accessible, and there is often additional support available depending on your needs. You may also qualify for discounted fares based on your circumstances.

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Buses

Travelling by bus is a good option for journeys within your community, as well as further afield. It is more environmentally friendly than travelling by car, plus you can enjoy the benefits of relaxing while you travel: listening to music, reading, or just enjoying the view.

Many bus stops now have improved facilities such as shelters with seating, and real-time information on services. The local Metrobus service, which connects South Gloucestershire with Bristol, also features closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) to provide additional security at stops.

Several bus operators run services across the West of England area including South Gloucestershire.

For information about local bus services including timetables and help planning your journey visit Travelwest’s website.

Queries and feedback relating to public transport should be directed to the West of England combined authority.

If you are of qualifying age or registered disabled and live in England, you can apply for a bus pass called a Diamond Travelcard, which allows you to travel for free on off-peak services. Find out more information on South Gloucestershire Council’s website.

The law says bus drivers must give reasonable assistance to disabled people, for example by helping them get on and off the bus. This does not mean physically lifting passengers or heavy mobility equipment. You can find out more about accessibility on local buses by visiting South Gloucestershire Council’s website.

Westlink – On demand, tailor made trips in the West of England area.  Westlink is a new type of bus service which operates in the vast majority of the West of England outside of Bristol and Bath city centres (as shown grey on the map below). It runs without a fixed timetable or route and is booked on demand by users through the Westlink app or by phone.  Passengers can get on or off at existing bus stops as well as a number of easy to reach places and then connect to major bus and rail services.  For more details see Home - WESTlink (travelwest.info)

Community transport

For those who are unable to use Public Transport, Community Transport provides an alternative way for the elderly, long term sick or other mobility challenged members
of the community to remain independent. A range of fully accessible services are available.

To find out how to register for these services and how they operate, including fare information, read the Community transport webpages of the South Gloucestershire Council website.

Age UK works alongside other community organisations to provide door-to-door transport for older people to help them to maintain their independence. Depending on where you live, they may be able to help you with transport. Visit the Age UK website for more information.

Trains and rail travel

There are several railway stations across South Gloucestershire that connect our local area with the wider region. You could take a day trip to Bristol, Bath, or use the train to commute and avoid the traffic.

All licensed train companies must be able to tell you:

  • what services and facilities are available
  • how to get assistance - including when there are disruptions

GOV.UK contains information on travelling by train if you are disabled, including how to check in advance if a station has accessible facilities.

If you are eligible you can get up to a third off rail tickets by applying for a disabled person’s railcard. You must provide evidence of a relevant disability.

Rail timetable and fare information can be found on the National Rail Enquiries website.

Taxis and private hire

Taxis are not usually considered to be ‘Public transport’ in the same way as buses or trains, as they do not operate on a schedule or timetable. However, taxis are a popular form of transport that is available to the public.

Licensed taxis can be hailed and hired on the street, hired at ranks or pre-booked, but you can only pre-book private hire vehicles.

If you are disabled, all licensed taxi and private hire drivers must make sure they do not discriminate against you and cannot treat you less favourably than other customers. They should also make any ‘reasonable adjustments’ to their service for you to make your journey easier. You can find out more information about these requirements on GOV.UK and on South Gloucestershire Council’s website.

Planes and airport transfers

If you need to travel further afield for work or leisure, you may choose to go by plane, and use local airports such as Bristol Airport.

Airlines and airports have different facilities for disabled people, but you are entitled by law to get support when at the airport if you have certain needs.

Find out from your airport or airline if they have the facilities you require, for example a toilet with disabled access. Tell your airline at least 48 hours before departure if you will need any additional help.

Bristol Airport’s website has details of the special assistance available within their airport, including their dedicated special assistance agents.

Further information

Travelwest’s website contains local timetables and route information for the South West region.

Age.UK’s website has more information about free bus passes and transport concessions.

The South Glos Disability Equality Network has information about local public transport, including who to contact if you experience issues with services.

If you are a young person with, or have a child with a special educational need or disability (SEND) our SEND Local Offer has information on how to get help travelling by public transport, as well as information about financial help available.