History of the Minibus and Community Transport

The organisation has run a minibus under the Good Neighbours banner since 1977, initially with the help of a legacy from a local benefactor. During 2000 the project returned a second bus following the conclusion of an arrangement with a local authority. This left just one bus. The consequence of this was a significant fall in hire income in 2001. The bus operates under a section 19 permit and provides services to enhance the quality of life of the elderly, disabled and youth groups in our defined area of operation.

In 2001, against a backdrop of falling bookings and an operating loss, the committee reviewed the project. It considered the increasingly stringent Health and Safety requirements, along with the time, cost and responsibility involved. However, a survey of user groups showed the evident value our passengers derived from the services. It was decided to appoint a paid co-ordinator to oversee minibus operations, ensure Health & Safety standards were met, and seek opportunities to expand the services provided. A new charging structure was also agreed.

Ian Padley started as co-ordinator for the project on April 1st 2002. Part of the cost of this post is being met by a grant from the Countryside Agency. In return for this, the project was required to establish a weekly shoppers trip for the elderly and disabled in Addingham. This service has now commenced. In addition, the project has taken on the role of training and assessing drivers to the nationally recognised ‘MiDAS’ standard. This is beneficial from a ‘Health & Safety’ aspect and should also help attract new volunteers.

It remains the aim of the organisation to establish an integrated Community Transport operation that will become independent of ICVS. The objective is to meet the needs of people isolated or disadvantaged through lack of access to normal public transport and to support the community through provision of services to the voluntary groups in the area.

'History of the Minibus and Community Transport' was written by Ian Padley (Community Transport Manager) and John Jewitt (Chair, Steering Group) for the ICVS Annual Report (2001-2002).