DOWN COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
Providing Accessible Transport for Individuals & Groups
Living in Down, Ards & North Down
Aims & Objectives
DDAT aims to improve access to fully accessible transport to people in the community, thus promoting social inclusion, targeting social need and reducing rural isolation especially for people with disabilities. To increase activity levels and improve sustainability and to Improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the Organisation.
Values
DDAT believes in: • Accessibility – the service is provided across the area and is available to people with a range of disabilities. • Active Citizenship – the importance of volunteering both to the individual and to society. • Equality of Opportunity – ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to…els and improve sustainability and to Improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the Organisation. Improve…
Donations
Down Community Transport (DDAT) is a registered charity, partially funded by the Department for Infrastructure (DFI), but we heavily rely on donations to continue our work. Every contribution helps us serve the community and underscores the importance of local support.
Down District Accessible Transport (DDAT) was established in May 1998 for the purpose of improving access to goods and services for the residents of Down District, thus promoting social inclusion, targeting social need and reducing rural isolation, in particularly for the young, elderly and infirm.
We provide community transport for our members and operate as an independent Rural Community Transport Partnership (RCTP) providing safe, affordable, flexible and accessible transport service; which is responsive to the needs of members. Since 2004 DDAT has traded under the name of Down Community Transport (DCT). DDAT has a combined area of benefit that covers the former council areas of Down District, Ards and North Down, with its head office near Downpatrick and a vehicle bases Portaferry.
In November 2015 DDAT became a registered charity with the Charity Commission for NI (NIC 103843).
Membership is renewable each year and runs from 1st April until 31st March. It costs £20 for individuals and £30 for Groups. New members need to all pay a £10 registration fee.
WHAT WE DO
OUR SERVICES
DDAT offers 4 services:
1. Dial-A-Lift door-to-door transport service for individuals living in rural areas
2. Group Hire / Self Drive
3. Volunteer Social Car Scheme (SCS)
4. MiDAS Training
Group hire/ Self Drive
We offer affordable and accessible transportation for schools and community or voluntary organisations.
Services include options with a Down Community Transport driver or self-drive for those registered as volunteers on the Down Community Transport volunteer register.
Dial A Lift
We offer a demand-responsive transport service for individuals in rural areas who face challenges accessing public or private transport. This door-to-door service includes participation in and administration of DFI-supported initiatives:
- Dial-A-Lift: a convenient door-to-door transport service.
- Assisted Rural Travel Scheme: providing additional support for rural travel needs.
Volunteer Social Car Scheme (SCS)
This service connects individuals who lack personal transportation or support from friends and family with a safe, efficient, and affordable door-to-door service.
Through this service, trained and carefully vetted volunteers use their own vehicles to provide a flexible, one-on-one alternative to minibus services.
The scheme is ideal for time-sensitive health appointments, with drivers picking members up at their door, waiting during appointments, and ensuring a smooth return journey.
MiDAS Training (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme)
Down Community Transport provides MiDAS training to ensure safe and responsible minibus driving for community transport operators. This nationally recognised program covers essential aspects such as legal responsibilities, defensive driving techniques, passenger safety, and emergency procedures. The training includes both theory-based learning and practical driving assessments, equipping drivers with the skills needed to operate minibuses confidently and safely. By offering MiDAS training, we are able to support local drivers in maintaining high safety standards while serving their community.
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Some Facts about our Company?
KEEP IN TOUCH
CONTACT US : Down Business Park, Unit 5, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, BT30 9UP
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