Get Me Started
How Does It Work?
Welcome!
Welcome to ABILITY! We look forward to meeting your transport needs.
As we are a bookable service, all users must be pre-registered with us before travelling. Refer to the next section “Getting Started” for details on how to register for the service.
Getting Started - Membership & Registration
Step 1
There are several ways to register with us, as outlined below:
Please visit our Membership Page for a breakdown of the membership options and our registration form. You can then choose to pay online by card or send us a cheque in the post. Once we have received payment, we will send you a welcome pack with all you need to get started!
Alternatively, you can have a chat with our friendly office staff who will be happy to walk you through the registration process and answer any questions you may have.
Just call 01327 604123 from 9.00am until 2.00pm.
Step 2
Once you have registered, please refer to the booking instructions in the next section “Registered Customers”. This will explain how to start getting out and about with us!
Registered Customers - Using The Service
Step 1
We offer a range of regular bus routes throughout the week. Please refer to our Passenger Information Page to get an idea of which bus you would like to travel on.
Step 2
To book onto one of our buses, please give us a call on 01327 604123 anytime between 9.00am and 2.00pm. Our office staff will get your trip booked in no time!
Step 3
Ability operates as a ‘ring and ride’ service which anyone can use. This means we do not always follow a fixed route.
Instead, the bus follows a route on an on-demand basis and is set by the pre-booked requests of passengers.
For this reason, when you book a trip, we can only give you an approximate pickup time.
Step 4
Our office staff will phone you the day before travel to confirm your exact pickup time for the next day.
Please allow up to 15 minutes either side of your pickup time for unseen delays.
We look forward to travelling with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Go?
We provide a bus service to your local town once or twice per week between 09:00 to 16:00. Dropping off at a retail park or at a supermarket. We currently serve Banbury, Bicester, Brackley, Daventry, Milton Keynes, Northampton & Towcester.
Full details can be found in our Passenger Information Section or by calling our office on 01327 604123 (9.00 to 2pm)
Do You Do Any Day Trips Or Excursions?
Regular outings are provided to local attractions such as garden centres, pubs for lunch, cinema, and alternative shopping venues.
Full details can be found in our Passenger Information Section or by calling our office on 01327 604123 (9.00am-2.00pm)
How Much Does It Cost?
Bronze registration is FREE OF CHARGE to all holders of a concessionary bus pass, Gold and Silver membership is a small cost allowing you to book a seat up to 4 weeks in advance and be picked up and dropped off at home (especially if it is raining), help with your shopping and priority booking for our trips and excursions.
Full details can be found in our Membership & Registration Section or by calling our office on 01327 604123 (9.00am-2.00pm)
FREE Travel With A Valid Concessionary Bus Pass?
Travel after 09:30 (Northamptonshire) or 09:00 (Oxfordshire) Bus passes must be available for inspection on every journey.
I Don't Have A Concessionary Bus Pass, How Do I Get One?
Older Persons Bus Pass
Anyone of State Pension age is eligible for a concessionary bus pass.
You can apply online by clicking on the links below which will take you to your Council’s website:
North Northamptonshire
West Northamptonshire
Oxfordshire
Disabled Persons Bus Pass
Anyone with an eligible disability can also apply for a concessionary bus pass.
You can find out if you qualify and apply online on your Council’s website:
North Northamptonhire
West Northamptonshire
Oxfordshire
Alternatively, you can claim your bus pass by heading to your local library and applying in person. Please note, it must be a council run library to be able to apply for a bus pass (these are listed on the council’s website).
How Do I Use The Service?
All users of the service must be registered with us and book all trips in advance to guarantee you a seat.
Refer to the “Get Me Started” section above, or call our office on 01327 604123 (9am-2pm)
How Do I Book?
Refer to the “Get Me Started” section above, or call our office on 01327 604123 (9.00am-2.00pm)
Where Will I be Picked Up?
The bus will pick up and drop off either at home or at a bus stop, which will depend on your chosen level of membership.
Full details can be found in our Membership & Registration Section or by calling our office on 01327 604123 (9.00am-2.00pm), or use our Contact Form.
I Feel That I Need A Bit Of Assistance; Will The Driver Help Me?
We recognise that many of our passengers rely on rollators, walking sticks etc. The Gold service helps you from your Door to the Bus, we will carry your shopping bags to your door, shopping trolleys and mobility aids stowed by the Driver.
Do You Carry Wheelchairs?
If you need to travel with a wheelchair we would ask you in the first instance to contact the friendly staff in our office to discuss your needs and requirements.
Please call our office on 01327 604123 (9.00am-2.00pm), or use our Contact Form.