How a Community Bus Service Can Meet Needs and Build Local Community
by Tess Corcoran, June 2026
Report based on dissertation by Tess Corcoran, supervised by Dr Elke Heins at the University of
Edinburgh.
Research investigated whether and how the Glenfarg Community Bus meets wellbeing needs and build community in the area it serves. It was found that the bus served an essential role in transporting passengers to key infrastructures and opportunities, being effective in doing so due to its consideration of the community’s needs. Beyond its role as transport, the bus provided an important opportunity for individuals to engage with their community and local area, not only at their destination but also on the bus. The bus therefore functioned as a mobile community space, bringing people together and creating community.