How to apply for Community Ride Hub Connect

Download the form, fill it in (or ask someone to help), and send it back. Two paths: a short one if you have evidence like a Blue Badge, or a slightly longer one if you do not.

Download the form

Download the membership form (PDF)

Print it, write in black pen, or type and print. Then email it to hello@communityridehub.org.uk or post it to the address on the form. A family member, carer, doctor or social worker can help you.

This does not book a ride yet

We are still setting the service up. Prefer something even simpler for now? Just tell us you need help.

Ways to apply

  • Download the PDF, complete it, email or post it back
  • Online form on this website — when it is fully live
  • By phone — when we publish a number, we can fill the form in with you
  • Someone else can apply for you, with your okay

Cost when we open: membership contributions and journey charges have not been set.

What we ask everyone

We need enough information to know you, contact you, and keep you safe on a journey.

1. About you
Name, address, borough/area, postcode, date of birth, phone, email (if you have one), and any useful driver notes — for example “I live on the 10th floor” or “use the side gate”.
2. Emergency contact
Someone we can call if there is a problem with a journey and we cannot reach you.
3. Essential companion
Do you need supervision and an essential escort/carer when you travel? Yes / No — so we can plan space and support.
4. Mobility and accessibility
How your condition or situation affects travel; mobility aids (stick, frame, wheelchair, scooter, assistance dog); wheelchair/scooter make and model if relevant; optional photo of the aid; any boarding or transfer notes.
5. Proof of identity
A clear copy of one accepted ID document (for example passport, driving licence, birth certificate, NHS letter). Never send originals.
6. Membership type
Connect or Concession. Concession is for people on a low income and needs proof of benefits or a referral. Contributions have not been set.
7. Declaration and consent
Confirm the information is true; that ordinary public transport is difficult or unrealistic some or all of the time; consent for Community Ride Hub to hold special-category information to assess membership and plan safe travel; tell us if mobility needs change.

Route A — short fast-track path

If you have recognised evidence, keep the form short. After the common sections above, Route A only adds:

  • Tick which fast-track criterion applies (you may tick more than one)
  • Attach one clear copy of supporting evidence — Blue Badge, Taxicard, PIP Mobility, Higher Rate Mobility DLA, Higher Rate Attendance Allowance, visual impairment registration, War Pension Mobility Supplement, proof of age 85+, Special Rules/SR1 clinician form, or a professional referral letter
  • Skip the longer mobility questionnaire

Full proposed evidence list: Eligibility.

Route B — assessment path

If you do not have fast-track evidence, complete a short Community Ride Hub assessment instead of a long medical form. We are designing it around travel barriers, not diagnoses.

  • Which public transport you can use unaided today (if any) — bus, train, Underground, Overground, tram, DLR, or none
  • How often you travel on public transport
  • Standing and walking ability in plain language
  • Whether the difficulty is permanent or temporary (and roughly how long if temporary)
  • In your own words: how the barrier affects everyday journeys
  • Written confirmation from a health, social care or community professional (copy only)
  • Optional: other benefits or support that help us understand your situation — not used as a substitute for understanding the barrier

After you apply — what we intend to do

  1. Step 1

    Check the form is complete

    Missing ID, evidence or signature delays a decision. Incomplete applications would be returned with a clear note of what is needed.
  2. Step 2

    Decide Route A or Route B

    Fast-track evidence is verified, or the assessment and professional confirmation are reviewed.
  3. Step 3

    Confirm membership type

    Connect or Concession membership; contribution confirmed before any payment is asked for.
  4. Step 4

    Wheelchair / scooter safety check (if needed)

    Where relevant, arrange a practical check so we know we can safely carry you and your equipment — and so you can try boarding before a first journey.
  5. Step 5

    Activate membership

    Once approved (and contribution arranged where applicable), you can request Connect journeys — subject to availability, area and fair use. Membership is not unlimited travel.

What we will not do

  • Ask for original documents by post
  • Promise every requested journey once you are a member
  • Make people depend only on an app — phone and paper routes stay available
  • Charge wheelchair, companion or accessibility surcharges on standard Connect journeys
  • Copy another organisation’s branding or claim to be TfL Dial-a-Ride
Can I apply today?

You can download and return the draft PDF, but membership for travel is not open yet and journeys cannot be arranged. You can also register a transport need or use the early form on How to join.

Do I need a GP letter?

Not for Route A if you have accepted fast-track evidence. For Route B, written confirmation from a professional who knows you will normally be needed — that does not have to be a GP if another professional can confirm the transport barrier.

Is this the same as TfL Dial-a-Ride?

No. We have learned from how clear community-transport membership works, but Community Ride Hub Connect is our own service under our own permit, with our own membership contribution model.

This is not a booking service yet

Community Ride Hub is preparing to operate. This page describes a proposed service. Journeys cannot yet be arranged, and nothing here is an offer of transport.

Take the next step available today

Download the draft application above, register a transport need, or read eligibility.