Some of the community transport services we provide include:
Community transport
Community transport is at the heart of what we do and why we exist. We often take for granted we can get from A to B but for a lot of members in our communities this is not always the case. For them, we provide a lifeline in our provision of Transport and the services we provide.
Transport
We operate a fleet of vehicles for use by Voluntary and Community involving organisations, schools & individuals across Northumberland, North and South Tyneside and beyond.
Minibuses in our fleet seat up to 16 passengers, with some having been specially adapted to carry wheelchair passengers. We also have a few smaller, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, as well as some which have tow bars fitted.
All vehicles are fitted with British Standard Safety Equipment and undergo regular planned maintenance and safety checks.
Services
Shuttle Service
WATBus provide a shuttle service twice a week from the Newbiggin & Ashington areas and another one day a week covering the Cresswell, Ellington, Linton and Lynmouth areas.
The Newbiggin Nipper
Operates as a “shuttle” service called The Nipper on behalf of the county council for residents in Newbiggin & covering parts of every Tuesday and Friday, enabling them to access local amenities.
The Nipper goes into the estates around Newbiggin including Dixon’s Corner, Beach Terrace and Front Street. We recently added an additional stop at the Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre to allow people to access the library and café.
The CELL
Operates a shuttle service on a Wednesday covering the Creswell, Ellington, Linton and Lynmouth areas going into Morpeth.
This supports residents in these small villages to be able to access the local town.
Both the Newbiggin Nipper and the CELL, operates and is supported by volunteers.
It is vital support for people who find it difficult to get to the bus stops to access the service buses.
Out & About scheme
Through this scheme, we provide a door-to-door service helping individuals who have transport challenges get out and access vital appointments, services, and shops. The emphasis of the project is to help people maintain their independence, by giving them the support, time and assistance needed to be as self-sufficient as possible.
70% of those using this service since 2022 have been isolated, elderly people or people with disabilities.
Over the past two years we have worked to help plug the gap in transport provision with this project but as it has evolved, we have realised there is a need for a smaller accessible vehicle to transport wheelchairs. The cost to transport people who use wheelchairs in our new accessible bus is far lower.
Suggestions
WATBus are always looking to see how we can benefit more people in our local community, so if you have any ideas for new community transport routes or require our services, please ring 01670 522999 or email one of our team admin@watbus.org.uk.