Community Bus FAQs

Question

Is the Community Bus operating during the COVID19 restrictions?

Answer 1

Shopper services will resume from Monday 24th May 2021 with revised changes to timetables made. It is now necessary to register with us and book a seat prior to travel on all services to ensure that we can meet social distancing guidelines.

Answer 2

The Community Bus is run by Hartley Wintney Parish Council now in conjunction with Rosie Bus Organisation. It is a locally owned and operated not-for-profit service to support residents and local organisations within the Parish who would otherwise not have access to transport.
The service seeks to re-instate some of the bus services lost to both Hartley Wintney and adjacent local parishes through the withdrawal of other service over recent years.

Answer 3

The timetabled and commuter services are open to Hartley Wintney, Hook, Yateley, Frogmore and Blackwater residents.

Door to Door services are available to those who have limited mobility or are not close enough to a bus stop to make the timetabled service a via option or where there are no other transport options available.

The Door to Door Services are open to Hartley Wintney, Hook, Odiham and Dogmersfield residents, other than the Reading Service which is currently open to Hartley Wintney residents only.

All passengers must be registered and book in advance.

Answer 4

Only ‘Assistance’ dogs are permitted on the bus. Please advise the administrator when you book your travel..

Answer 5

Everyone wanting to use the service must register first and book their trip 48 hours in advance by telephone on 01252 849712
Registration is FREE – register online using the online form.
Fares will need to be paid by contactless card on the bus for each trip.
Concessionary Bus Passes may be used on the timetabled services and holders will also be eligible for a discount on the Door to Door services (except for the Reading Shopper service).

Answer 6

Yes – in order to control numbers you need to pre-book with a minimum 48 hours notice. Drivers are not permitted to carry passengers who have not made a booking. To book call the Community Bus Administrator between 9am and 1pm on 01252 849712.

Answer 7

Please see the timetables and Bus stops in Parish section.

Answer 8

On the timetable service to/from the Meadows, fares start from £1.50 per single trip. £3 per single ticket for journeys outside the Parish.
Children under 5 years of age can travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult however, special regulations apply for children’s safety so remember to mention the child when booking.
Half price fares are available for children between 5 – 16 years of age. Contact the Community Bus Administrator for more information 01252 849712

Valid bus pass holders travel free on the Monday and Wednesday timetabled services.

All Door to Door services are charged £4.50 per return journey however Concessionary Bus Pass holders are eligible for a discounted fare of £3.00 per return journey when presenting their pass to the driver. This discount is not offered on the Reading Shopping service.

Answer 9

Yes, if you can transfer on your own and your wheelchair can fold then we can safely transport it in the bus.
If you wish to travel seated in your wheelchair, please advise the Parish Office at least 72 hours in advance so that the necessary checks can be made to ensure that your wheelchair meets the necessary safety standards for being secured in the bus.

Answer 10

Be prepared to answer the administrator’s questions when you book – this is for your safety
Be clear in your requirements at the time of booking and allow time in your journey for unforeseen delays.
Tell booking staff of any special equipment you use or carry that may affect the transport that is provided for you.
Be ready to be picked up at the appointed time.
Don’t ask the driver to take you to or pick you up from a place other than that agreed at the time of booking.
Have your contactless card and/or concessionary bus pass ready for payment.
Be prepared to store shopping, walking aids or other luggage in a place away from your seat. This is essential so that gangways don’t become blocked and items don’t end up rolling around the vehicle.
Wear your seatbelt at all times.

Answer 11

Our Community Transport Administrator will be happy to help you. She can be contacted on 01252 849712 between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday.

Answer 12

Our bus has individual seat belts and there are regulations about the safe transportation of children. Contact the Bus Administrator on 01252 849712 for more information.

Answer 13

As working patterns have changed with less commuting and more working from home, we are no longer running the Commuter Service bus service. All services will be reviewed regularly in line with community demand.