PACTO at the North Yorkshire Community Transport Summit 2026 – More Than a Journey
Last month, Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO) were delighted to be invited as guest speakers at the North Yorkshire Community Transport Summit in Northallerton, where over 70 delegates came together to explore the role, value and future of Community Transport (CT).
The event, led by a fantastic partnership of local CT operators and organisations, created a space for honest discussion, shared learning and forward-thinking collaboration, bringing together commissioners, providers and partners from across the system.
Wyndham Williams, PACTO Transformation Project Manager, presented on behalf of PACTO, sharing insights from our Motability Foundation-funded Transformation Project and the progress made by Pembrokeshire’s CT sector.
Through this, we showcased:
- How a whole-system approach is strengthening community transport
- The unique configuration of the Pembrokeshire CT network
- Our growing partnerships with the NHS, communities and public sector agencies
- How CT is supporting access to healthcare and reducing pressure on services.
We also highlighted impactful delivery models, including Royal Voluntary Service Country Cars, Cars for Unpaid Carers, and the PIVOT Transport system, demonstrating how CT supports hospital access, prevention and independence.
The day focused on key questions around expectations of CT, sustainability challenges, and what the impact would be without these vital services, sparking meaningful and practical discussions.
It was also great to see the Ealing Community Transport (ECT) Social Value Toolkit being highlighted by Caroline Whitney from the Community Transport Association as a powerful way to evidence and quantify the impact CT delivers.
In the first two years of the Transformation Project, CT in Pembrokeshire has generated an estimated £2.7 million in social value, reinforcing the sector’s critical contribution to both communities and public services.
The summit concluded with action planning sessions focused on partnership opportunities, quick wins and long-term priorities laying the foundations for future collaboration.
It was fantastic to meet so many CT operators, partners and colleagues from across North Yorkshire, learning from one another and building new connections.
A huge thank you to the organisers and partners for such a well-run and engaging event: Helen Fyln (Nidderdale Plus), Liz Lockley (Hambleton Community Action) Jane Evision (East Yorkshire Community Transport Ltd), Sue Vasey (Chain Lane Community Hub), Jane Owen (Humber & Wolds Rural Action) and Sarah Gill (Community Works).
We look forward to seeing how CT in North Yorkshire develops and the momentum continuing.