Efforts to address community transport issues drive forward

26 March 2026

Confidence is growing that a new provider can be found to cover rural areas of West Northamptonshire affected by the recent closure of a community bus company.

Having learned that Ability CIC had ceased trading and stopped its journeys, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) recently stepped in to take swift action for its residents who may be affected.

Since working to explore solutions to support residents affected by the company’s closure, at least two other transport providers and a parish council have expressed interest in taking on the minibuses that Ability acquired through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Council is co-ordinating an Expression of Interest process on behalf of the community to secure new providers for the routes or local demand that Ability previously covered.

In addition to this WNC has also announced a £172,000 funding pot for community transport grants across West Northamptonshire and is encouraging local groups and parish councils to apply for a share of the money.  

The funding aims to increase the number of transport options available, especially in rural areas and places where there are no regular bus services. The grants will support projects that help people to:

• Reach work, training, school, health appointments and social activities
• Stay connected with their local community
• Travel safely with trained drivers who understand their needs
• Reduce loneliness and live more independently
• Use shared transport that is better for the environment and helps cut traffic
• Find affordable travel options if they do not have access to a car

“Although Ability was not a Council-run service and it was the company’s decision to cease trading, we fully understand the role it played in providing journeys for many residents in our communities and that they will understandably look to us for support, so we’ve been working hard with parishes and transport providers to explore solutions.

“It’s encouraging to see there has already been significant interest from potential providers and there is growing confidence of finding alternative support for those residents affected by Ability’s closure.

“We know how important community transport is for many residents, especially in rural areas and so this additional £172,000 investment in grants funding for schemes across West Northamptonshire will help us strengthen what is available now and also build a more reliable system for the future.”Cllr Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

Community groups, faith groups, social enterprises, and town and parish councils are encouraged to apply for the grants, with full details to be available on the Council's Community Funding Grants webpage shortly: Community Funding Grants available | West Northamptonshire Council. The deadline for grant applications is 10am on 24 April 2026. 

Alongside the Expression of Interest process, the Council is also gathering important information about:

• Residents who now have urgent transport needs
• Community groups and volunteers who want to offer support
• Any gaps in local transport that need to be included in future planning

To ask for an Expression of Interest form, email the team with your phone number and they will call you back. All questions and offers of help should be sent to [email protected]