The Community Transport Association UK

The Community Transport Association UK (CTA) is a member-based charity operating across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Registered as charity number 1002222, CTA provides leadership, training, advice, and operational support to transport-related charities, community groups, and social enterprises. It is dedicated to supporting and advocating for community transport providers to deliver innovative and flexible transport solutions that address social barriers and improve accessibility within local communities.

Mission and Vision

CTA’s mission is to lead a thriving community transport movement in the UK. Its vision is a world where everyone, regardless of their location or circumstances, can access transport that meets their individual community needs.

Activities and Services

The association offers a wide range of services aimed at promoting excellence in community transport:

• Leadership and representation, acting as a unified voice for its members in dealings with governments and stakeholders.
• Training programs and the administration of the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS), a safety standard for passenger transport.
• Provision of resources, publications, and up-to-date regulatory advice to help members operate effectively.
• Consultancy and project support tailored to voluntary, community, and accessible transport sectors.
• Advocacy and policy influence to shape public transport regulation and funding in favor of inclusive and accessible transport solutions.

CTA serves thousands of community transport staff and volunteers who annually support millions of people to maintain independence, engage with their communities, and access essential services and employment.

Values and Approach

The Community Transport Association is guided by core values including leadership, integrity, and equity:

• Leadership: Championing members’ interests and fostering collaboration to set standards of sector excellence.
• Integrity: Committing to transparency and accountability in all operations and decision-making processes.
• Equity: Promoting equality, diversity, and accessibility to ensure fair transport services for all community members.

By amplifying the collective efforts of community transport providers, CTA contributes to building stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable communities throughout the UK.

Impact and Significance

Community transport is crucial in addressing unmet local transport needs by providing flexible, community-led solutions, particularly for individuals facing barriers to conventional transport options. The CTA’s support enables local organizations to deliver social rather than profit-driven transport services that facilitate social inclusion and enhance quality of life.

Through its leadership and support, the Community Transport Association UK continues to be a driving force in the community transport sector, shaping policy and practice to broaden access to transport across the United Kingdom.

[1] https://ctauk.org/about-cta [2] https://ctauk.org/welcome-cta [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1002222/full-print [4] https://ectcharity.co.uk/about/our-history [5] https://sesupportmap.scot/organisation/the-community-transport-association-cta/