The Heart of Community Transport in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon

Community transport is often spoken about in terms of journeys, timetables and destinations. But for us at DART, and for the people we serve across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council area and further afield.

It is about so much more than getting from A to B. It is about connection, dignity, independence and belonging.

Every day, our drivers, passenger assistants and office staff speak to people whose lives are shaped by the availability of reliable, friendly community transport. Many of the people we support are older, living with disabilities, experiencing ill health, or facing isolation due to rural living or limited public transport options. For them, DART is not just a service, “it is a lifeline.”

We hear it in the small conversations that happen daily. A quick chat while fastening a seatbelt. A friendly greeting when the door opens. A familiar face that knows someone by name and asks how they are really doing. For some of our passengers, this may be the only meaningful interaction they have all week. When people tell us that they don’t speak to anyone from one week to the next except for DART, it reminds us just how vital our role is within the community.

Community transport enables people to attend medical appointments, collect prescriptions, go shopping, visit friends, access social groups and remain active members of their communities. Without it, many would face increased isolation, declining health and a loss of independence. What might seem like a simple journey can make the difference between someone staying connected or becoming cut off from the world around them.

The Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area is diverse, with urban centres and rural communities alike. Public transport does not always meet the needs of those living outside town centres or those who require additional support. Community transport fills this gap with compassion, flexibility and understanding. We adapt to people’s needs, not the other way around.

At DART, we see first-hand the emotional impact of what we do. We hear stories of confidence regained, anxiety reduced and loneliness eased. People tell us they feel safer knowing someone will check in on them. Families tell us how reassured they are knowing their loved ones are being supported by staff who genuinely care. These stories are at the heart of why we do what we do.

Community transport also strengthens the wider community. It allows people to remain independent for longer, reduces pressure on health and social care services, and helps build inclusive, supportive neighbourhoods. When people are able to stay engaged, everyone benefits.

What means the most to us is the trust our passengers place in DART. They invite us into their lives, share their stories, their worries and their joys. That trust is something we never take for granted. It drives us to listen, to improve and to continue delivering a service that puts people first.

Community transport may not always be visible, but its impact is profound. Across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, DART is proud to be there for those who need us most, not just as a transport provider, but as a friendly voice, a familiar presence and a vital connection to the community.

Because sometimes, the journey matters just as much as the destination.