Some people can't access public transport simply because it doesn't visit their village. Some people can't access it because health issues prevent them. Atwest aims to complement public transport by using fully accessible vehicles to provide a number of services, particularly to rurally-isolated residents to access education, employment, healthcare, and social and sports activities with the aim of promoting prolonged independence and reducing incidence of loneliness, depression and isolation.

West Somerset is essentially a very rural area with limited public transport. Atwest aims to promote continued independence for residents who might otherwise become isolated - socially or otherwise - because of lack of transport availability. We run a variety of services, including the dial-a-ride Slinky bus, shopping buses and the Atwest Travel Club so people can use us to access health and welfare services, social activities, the shops, or just to visit destinations further afield.

In 2012 Atwest made over 25000 journeys for local residents. 21% of the journeys in 2012 were made by people who require a mobility aid. 3% were made by people who use a wheelchair, and 2% were made by people who need an essential travelling companion. The majority of journeys were for health, social, shopping or leisure purposes, but there are still so many people we would like to be able to help in different ways.