About Us
Who we are
Totnes and Rural Community Transport is a CIO registered with the Charity Commission (number 1169167). TARCT has a foundation model constitution, overseen by a board of trustees. We currently employ only two part-time staff. There are over 30 volunteers who undertake most of our driving shifts, and help out with admin and
fundraising.
We provide accessible community transport for Totnes and surrounding villages, connecting people to places that matter. Our scheduled bus routes serve locations with no other public transport, while our travel club offers regular excursions to local attractions.
We welcome everyone – residents, visitors, older adults, people with limited mobility, and anyone without their own transport. Our mission is simple: friendly, accessible travel for all.
In November 2025, we received a King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and is equivalent to an MBE.
Our Story
Over the Years
1997
It started with a steep hill…
A visitor to Totnes Information Centre sparked an idea: what if a small shuttle bus could help people reach the top of our notoriously steep high street? A local councillor partnered with a coach firm to pilot the service that summer. The result? Over 700 passengers between June and September.
2000-2002
Building something bigger
After two successful summers funded by local councils and businesses, we knew we needed something permanent. In 2000, we formed a community group to create a year-round service. By 2002, with support from Help the Aged and the Countryside Agency, we purchased our first community-owned bus.
We named it “Bob” after coordinator Bob Vaughan, whose tireless work – even after funding ran out – made it all possible. The bright yellow “Bob the Bus” quickly became a beloved feature of Totnes.
2002 - present
Growing with the community
From one bus, we’ve grown to operate multiple vehicles serving both town and rural routes.
2012
Launched summer service to Stoke Gabriel, including campsite stops, with £34,000 from the Big Lottery and Mitchell Trust
2014
Merged with Harbourne Shuttle to become Totnes and Rural Community Transport
2015
Introduced new integrated routes covering 9 rural areas plus Totnes town centre, Follaton, and Bridgetown
2016
Received £160,000 from the government’s community transport fund to purchase two low-floor accessible Mercedes Sprinters
2024
Purchased a new 16-seater bus, with financial support from the National Lottery, Garfield Weston Foundation, the Wakefield Trust, the Community Resilience fund and a generous legacy from the late Lee Cooper.
Passenger numbers continue to grow.
Bob the Bus is one of literally thousands of community transport groups in the UK. We continue to expand our reach and serve more people with transport needs.
In the year to April 2025, our services carried some 45,000 passengers. Monthly travel club excursions are offered to local attractions, and our buses are available for private hire by local community groups. Bob the Bus also provides park and ride services for many local events, such as the Totnes Show and Christmas Markets.
None of this would have been possible without the countless hours put in by volunteers, both behind the wheel and in the back office.
If you’d like to help, get in touch!