15 October 2025
Community Transport Team Highlight – Peter
For Peter, driving for Community First isn’t just a job, it’s a way to help people get out, stay connected, and enjoy life.
Peter has been with us for 14 years, joining in 2011 after his next-door neighbour noticed him working on his car and suggested he might like driving minibuses. He started with school runs to Cams School, and now primarily drives for Connect Transport and Tea & Tiffin.
Connect Transport is our door-to-door minibus service that allows people to travel to appointments, go shopping, or attend social outings, particularly when public transport is difficult to access. Tea & Tiffin is a weekly social club that takes groups out to cafés, restaurants, pubs, garden centres, and other local day trips, providing both transport and social connection.
“I normally cover four to five trips a month. Sometimes it’s Connect, sometimes Tea & Tiffin. I pick people up from their homes and take them where they need to go. You get to know the passengers – some of them might only see me that day. It’s really rewarding when they feel comfortable enough to chat and share a laugh.”
Peter uses Padam scheduling software to manage the trips, ensuring everyone is picked up and dropped off safely. Beyond driving, he also does maintenance and administrative work on the vehicles, like changing lightbulbs and carrying out daily, weekly, and monthly checks. His background as a mechanic makes him confident in handling these responsibilities.
“The work can be tiring. On group trips, you’re driving between multiple homes, helping people on and off the minibus. But the buzz you get from seeing people get out and enjoy themselves makes it worthwhile.”
Peter says that one of the biggest challenges for his passengers is simply getting out of the house. “A few years ago, partly during the Covid period, I drove a lady in a wheelchair who hadn’t been out in three years! People want to get out and about, but it’s difficult for some who have mobility problems, use wheelchairs, or live somewhere with no public transport.
“For many, being unable to leave home easily can lead to loneliness and isolation. Our buses and day trips give people the chance to socialise and be independent. Without it, some people might go days or even weeks without seeing anyone outside their home.”
Peter hopes to keep driving and supporting Community First to support others for as long as he can.