What is Shopper Bus?
Struggling with heavy grocery bags and crowded public transport? The Shopper Bus by Communities 1st is here to help. We offer door-to-store convenience, with our friendly buses picking you up right from your doorstep. No more waiting at bus stops or navigating confusing routes.
Our volunteers are always ready to assist you, and our vehicles are designed with low floors and wheelchair accessibility. The Shopper Bus is an affordable alternative to taxis or public transport, making shopping easier and more enjoyable.
Our clients love our service for its convenience, reliability and personal touch. As one happy shopper said, “My shopping trips are the highlight of my life!”
Join us for a stress-free shopping experience that’s more than just a ride—it’s a lifeline to joy and independence! 🚌🛒
Does Shopper Buses cost anything?
Yes, the Shopper Bus service does have a cost associated with it, but we’ve made sure it’s affordable for everyone.
- To start using our service, you’ll need to become a member. The annual membership fee is £10 and the individual membership year runs from September to August.
Once you’re a member, here’s how the charges work for each outing:
- Return Journeys: There’s a flat charge of £6 for each return journey. While this covers your travel to and from the destination.
- Single Journeys: In these cases, the charge would be £3.
- Carers: If you would like a carer to accompany you, this will be a further charge of £2 for a return fare (or £1 for a single).
Payment will be required upfront to confirm your booking.
We’re looking forward to having you join us!
Special Offer: Save 20%
- Until March 2025, when you book four or more bus trips at once and beforehand, you get a 20% discount!
- So, if you book four round bus trips, you only pay £12.80 instead of £16.
- Please do note that for these advance bulk bookings, payment will be accepted via online methods (either over the phone or a bank transfer). We’re unable to accept cash payments for this particular offer.
Here’s an example: Let’s say you book four return trips. Instead of paying the usual £24 (4 trips x £6 for each return trip), you’ll only need to pay £19.20. Please note that there’s an additional £10 service access fee.
Also - good news! This discount offer is also available for the Welwyn Hatfield Community Bus (buses to Jimmy Mac's).
Which routes do Shopper Buses take?
Hertsmere
| Location | Days | Destinations |
| Borehamwood | Tuesdays | Morrisons or Tesco |
| Bushey and Bushey Heath | Mondays | Tesco Extra (Watford) |
| Potters Bar | Fridays | Tesco |
| Radlett | Thursdays | London Colney Shopping Park |
Three Rivers
| Location | Days | Destinations |
| Abbots Langley, Bedmond, Leavesden | Tuesdays | ASDA and Sainsbury's (Watford) |
| Rickmansworth, Moor Park, Mill End | Thursdays and Fridays | Waitrose and Tesco |
| Sarratt, Chandler's Cross, Loudwater, Croxley Green | Tuesdays | Waitrose and Tesco (Rickmansworth) |
| South Oxhey, Carpenders Park | Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays | Waitrose and Tesco (Rickmansworth) |
Watford
| Location | Days | Destinations |
| Woodside, Meriden, Stanborough, Leggats, Tudor, Callowland | Mondays | ASDA and Sainsbury's |
| Nascot, Park, Central, Oxhey, Vicarage, Holywell | Tuesdays | Aldi, Lidl and Tesco |
Welwyn Hatfield
| Locations | Days | Destinations |
| Cuffley, Welwyn Garden City |
Wednesdays | Morrisons and Tesco |
| Hatfield, Welham Green |
Thursdays | Aldi, ASDA and Tesco |
| Hatfield Villages, Welwyn Garden City | Fridays | Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose |
| Welwyn Garden City | Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays | Aldi, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Waitrose |
| Welwyn | Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays | Aldi, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Waitrose |
Community Bus to Jimmy Mac's Lunch Club
We have a service running Monday - Friday taking passengers to Jimmy Mac's Lunch Club at The Hive. If you'd like to learn more about this service, click the button below.
How Can You Book a Seat on the Shopper Bus?
Booking a seat on the Shopper Bus is a simple and straightforward process. We’ve made it easy for you to arrange your travel with us.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Decide When You Want to Travel: Think about the day and time you’d like to use our service. Remember, you would need to contact us in advance to book your seat on the Shopper Bus. This helps us ensure we have a slot available just for you.
2. Contact Us: Once you’ve decided when you want to travel, the next step is to get in touch with us. You can do this in two ways:
- Fill the Form: Simply click on the button below and fill in our Transport Booking Form. Once we've received your submission, we'll contact you back with a confirmation and further details!
- Email Us: You can send an email to travel@communities1st.org.uk. In your email, please include your name, contact details, the trip/location and time you want to travel, and any special requirements you might have.
- Call Us: If you prefer to speak to someone directly, you can give us a call. Our phone number is 01727 649980. One of our friendly team members will be happy to assist you with your booking.
P.S. Our telephone lines are open on Mondays - Fridays, 08:00 - 16:00.
3. Wait for Confirmation: After you’ve contacted us, we’ll guide you through a simple registration process where we’ll collect some basic information to tailor the service to your needs. Then, we’ll arrange your travel and send you a confirmation. This will include the details of your journey.
4. Pay the Fee: A nominal yearly fee (£10) grants you access to this invaluable service.
And that’s it! You’re all set for your journey with the Shopper Bus. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please feel free to ask. We’re here to help! 😊
Clients' Positive Feedback
Hear directly from our clients about their experiences with the Shopper Bus service:
-
Maintaining Independence: “The Shopper Bus service enables me to maintain a level of independence.”
-
Friendly Drivers: “The driver who takes me to ASDA is a diamond. I really look forward to my outing.”
-
Convenience: “I have found it very convenient and a pleasure to use the Watford Shopper minibus to do my shopping the past few weeks.”
-
Helpful Staff: “Drivers are very friendly and helpful. Was not expecting them to help me with my shopping.”
-
Overall Satisfaction: “Love the Shopper Bus.”
Do you want to share you feedback with us as well? We look forward to hearing from you! You can send an email to travel@communities1st.org.uk. In your email, please include your name, contact details, the trip/location you had taken along with the date/time that you had travelled with us and, of course, your feedback!
Volunteer with the Shopper Bus
"The Shopper Bus service has been an absolute godsend."
We are always looking for volunteers to help us deliver this vital service.
Bus Buddies: Your Chummy Travel Mates
Bus Buddies act as the perfect link between passengers and drivers. They’re not just helpers, but also friendly faces who enjoy having a natter with passengers.
What Do Bus Buddies Do?
Whilst the driver focuses on the route and parking safely, Bus Buddies assist passengers in various ways. They help passengers to get on and off the bus, fetch items in the supermarket, and carry shopping.
A Word from Our Volunteer Driver
Mike, one of our dedicated volunteer drivers, shares his experience:
“When you’re driving, it’s handy to have another pair of hands. Things don’t always go to plan and having another helper can be a great relief. For instance, finding a parking spot can sometimes be a bit tricky. It’s good to have someone who can stay with the passengers whilst I park the vehicle.”
Join Us as a Bus Buddy
Our vehicles are parked at our main office in St Albans, which would be your base for volunteering. However, if you live near where our routes start, we might be able to pick you up at the start of the day.
Fancy becoming a Bus Buddy? Click the button below to register your interest.
Volunteer Drivers: Steering Our Shopper Buses
Our volunteer drivers are at the helm of our Shopper Buses! They ensure our vehicles reach passengers safely and promptly, ferrying them to supermarkets and then back home. Drivers must possess a clean license, be trustworthy and reliable, and have excellent punctuality. Click here for more information.
A Word from Our Trusted Driver
Simon, one of our trusted drivers, shares his experience:
"About ninety percent of the people I’m giving lifts to can’t get out into the community. They couldn’t do without the service. It not only helps them do their shopping, but it provides social contact. They couldn’t do without it.”
Join Us as a Volunteer Driver
Our vehicles are parked at our main office in St Albans, which would be your base for volunteering.
Fancy becoming a volunteer driver? Click the button below to register your interest.
Testimonials from Our Drivers and Bus Buddies
At Communities 1st, we’re proud of the Shopper Bus service we provide and the difference it makes in people’s lives. But don’t just take our word for it - here’s what our dedicated Drivers and Bus Buddies have to say:
- Supportive Environment: “Communities 1st staff are there to support you… They are kind and caring and offer great support.”
- Teamwork: “You feel part of a team working for a common good.”
- Personal Fulfillment: “Seeing the difference that you make really does make you feel good.”
- Making a Difference: “Helping people get out and about who would otherwise be isolated is the main reason I do this.”
- Perfect for Retirees: Driving is the “perfect job for retired people!”
- Work-Life Balance: “This suits me well and fits in with the rest of my life.”
- Unique Experience: “Driving for Communities 1st [has] a ‘feel good factor’. No two days are the same!”
- Daily Impact: “We hope to make a difference every day.”
Join our team today by showing your interest through the form below and experience the joy of making a difference in your community!
Discover Your Perfect Volunteering Role
Are you interested in volunteering, but unsure about which role would suit you best? We’ve got you covered!
Explore Our Volunteer Blogs
Our Volunteer Blogs are a treasure trove of experiences shared by our volunteers. They offer a glimpse into the diverse roles our volunteers undertake.
By exploring these blogs, you can gain insights into what our volunteers do and identify a role that might align with your skills and interests.
Ready to embark on your volunteering journey? Click here to explore our Volunteer Blogs.
British Photography Awards: We Made the Shortlist!
Communities 1st is thrilled to share some exciting news. A photograph of our beloved canine volunteer, Beau, has been shortlisted for the prestigious British Photography Awards’ Mobile Photography Awards 2024!
Meet Beau: Our Canine Volunteer
Beau is not just any volunteer. He is one of our many dedicated canine volunteers. His unique responsibilities range from canine communications and pet project management to human relationship building. Beau’s charm and dedication make him an integral part of our team.
The Story Behind the Photo
The shortlisted photo, captured by Lucy from our Communications team, showcases Beau in the driver’s seat of our Shopper Bus. This endearing image was initially taken for promotional materials to highlight our Shopper Bus service. While Beau loves to sit in the driver’s seat, rest assured, we don’t let him operate heavy machinery - his paws can’t quite reach the pedals!
We're pleased that local news outlets have shared our happy news! Click the links below to read articles in:
Join us in celebrating this achievement and stay tuned for more updates on our journey in the British Photography Awards!
