Since the mid 90s, Swan Advice Network has been providing a broad range of services in the BANES community, including the award winning Swan Transport service.

Swan Transport has been running a volunteer transport service since 2001 when a need was identified through Swan’s disability information provision.  The service has continued to grow over the years and operates with a team of volunteer drivers who use their own cars to transport Swan’s clients.

Swan's transport service is aimed at supporting those who are older, frail or disabled in need of transport. You will need to be able to get in and out of the rear seat of a car unassisted (though you can be accompanied by someone who could help you in and out of the car). Swan Transport covers those living in the area of Bath and North East Somerset. 

Starting from 1st December 2019, Swan now has a one-off joining fee of £7.00 for any new passengers joining our transport scheme (joining fee optional for those travelling with us to a covid vaccine). This is to help cover our admin costs of processing new passengers onto our system. After you ring us we will send you a letter with a tear off piece for you to send back to us with a cheque, or alternatively you can pay joining fee to the driver in cash along with the suggested donation for the journey.

If we can't do the journey you need, then we may be able to advise of other transport providers who would be better suited to your needs - so please get in touch with us.

If you are an organisation and you are running events, we may be able to help you with your transport needs. You can also refer any individuals directly to us who may need transport, or make enquiries about their needs.

Swan also works with Social Services and provides some transport for their clients, this is by referral only.

Where can I go?

Journeys can be made to anywhere in the county, plus we are now able to travel to Bristol hospitals depending on driver availability. Journeys you can take may be to visit friends or family, to attend social activities, to attend health related appointments, to go shopping to attend training or educational facilities or simply for a trip out. Our drivers can also offer assisted shopping if it is requested.

Who will my driver be?

Swan’s friendly staff endeavour to find a volunteer driver who lives as near to you as possible since this helps to keep the cost of the journey down.

How much will I have to pay?

Swan receives funding from a number of sources however, this only currently covers about 50% of our costs. For this reason we ask those travelling with Swan for a donation towards their travel.  Suggested donations are banded according to the distance travelled and how far a driver has to travel to reach their passenger (we endeavour to use the nearest drivers that are available on the day). The minimum suggested donation for a local return journey is £6.75 but staff will advise of the amount when you book your trip. 

How do I arrange transport?

Just ring 01761 439548 and give our staff your journey details. The office is usually manned between 9.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday. Outside of those hours or if the phone is engaged then a message can be left and one of our staff will ring you back.

Could you become a volunteer driver for Swan?

As Swan’s transport service continues to grow we are always seeking new drivers to help with this rewarding work.