Following a review of available literature on the benefits of CT, a primary research programme was carried out with five principal case studies from across Scotland, namely Annandale Transport Initiative; Badenoch & Strathspey Community Transport Company; Buchan Community Dial-a-Bus; Community Transport Glasgow; and the Order of Malta.

The research consisted of a questionnaire-based survey of CT users; focus groups / depth interviews with CT providers, staff and volunteers; telephone consultations with local authorities; and telephone interviews with a handful of other providers.

The aim of the primary research was to identify the extent to which CT in Scotland delivered the positive outcomes identified in the literature review