Latest news with #minibuses
The Guardian
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Guardian
Minibuses for rural routes are in production
It was interesting to read the letter (13 June) from Mike Parker regarding rural buses, making the argument that minibuses suitable for rural routes should be manufactured. And that such a business would be ideal for an entrepreneur. Ironically, it was only a few days before that letter, on 4 June, that Rachel Reeves made her transport funding announcement of £15.6bn from the premises of Mellor Bus in Rochdale, which, along with its sister company, Treka Bus in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, make a range of buses, including 16-seater ones suitable for rural routes. Mellor and Treka are both part of the Woodall Nicholson group. That group's business was acquired in 2023 by a Belgian entrepreneur, Guido Dumarey, to add to his portfolio. So there are suitable buses and there is an entrepreneur – let's hope he keeps those businesses manufacturing in the UK. It is a pity that the chassis used for the buses are of European origin (Mercedes and Iveco/Fiat) as there are no UK manufacturers of suitable chassis – now there's an opportunity. But, as both Ford and DAF stopped making that type of chassis in the UK years ago, I can't see any obvious candidate. Maybe Renault/Stellantis would or could make one available from their Ellesmere Port factory. Richard BramallSheffield Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Essex community minibuses to hit road after £195k grant
New minibuses to help people get to school and medical appointments are to hit the road as part of a government investment in seaside communities. Tendring District Council in Essex is encouraging community transport groups to apply for funding for one of three minibuses after it received a grant of £195, buses would run in the Clacton, Jaywick Sands and Holland-on-Sea areas, with two providing general community transport and one specifically for 10 to 18-year-olds "facing personal and social challenges", the council said. Deputy council leader Ivan Henderson said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen community transport in some of our most underserved areas." "This scheme is about more than just transport – it's about connection, opportunity, raising aspirations and creating pride in our communities," he added."By investing in these minibuses, we are working with our partners to improve quality of life for our residents, whether that's helping young people reach education or ensuring older residents can access healthcare and social activities."The buses would help younger people access alternative education and support services, while also tackling social isolation and improving mental wellbeing across the wider community, the council must apply by 18 July, with three to be chosen by a panel to receive up to £65,000 each to purchase and operate a council said the scheme was part of a wider £20m government investment in the area, announced in December. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Teen sentenced after setting fire to Taunton community minibuses
An 18-year-old who admitted setting fire to minibuses used by people with disabilities and schoolchildren has been sentenced to a two-year teen, who cannot be named as he was 17 at the time of the offences, carried out the arson attack at Silk Mills Park and Ride in Taunton on 26 April, destroying seven minibuses, including four specially-adapted vehicles worth up to £250, was also charged with one count of arson to a car, criminal damage to two cars, affray and assault by beating an emergency Sgt William Instance, of Avon and Somerset Police, said the "huge" damage to the minibuses "has had a significant impact on the local community". The teenager pleaded guilty to all six offences last Thursday at Exeter Magistrates Court, he was given a two-year custodial sentence and ordered to pay £600 compensation to those whose vehicles were damaged.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- BBC News
Teen admits setting fire to minibuses at Taunton Park and Ride
A 17-year-old boy has admitted setting fire to seven minibuses, damaging cars and assaulting an emergency teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to six offences at North Somerset Magistrates' Court on 29 admitted carrying out an arson attack at Silk Mills Park and Ride in Taunton on 26 April. Seven minibuses were destroyed in the fire, including four specially-adapted vehicles worth up to £250, teenager was remanded into youth detention until a sentencing hearing at the magistrates' court on 29 May. He was charged with one count of arson to a car on 25 April and a second on the minibuses on 26 April as well as criminal damage to two cars, affray and assault by beating an emergency worker on 27 the time, Somerset Council said four of the buses were specially adapted to provide transport for vulnerable children and young adults, and cost up to £250, staff managed to keep services running despite the attack and local businesses offered to loan out specialised vehicles.
BBC News
07-03-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
On-demand bus service to connect isolated Rutland villages
A new on-demand bus service straddling two counties is to be launched later this and villages in north-west Rutland and north-east Leicestershire will be served by the new bus network from 31 zone, covering the areas between Oakham and Melton Mowbray, is the first of three planned as part of Rutland County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan.A series of information events is being held ahead of the launch with the first on Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 GMT at Oakham Library. The new on-demand service will be free to use for the first three months, with passengers able to book journeys on a phone app or by calling, with at least an hour's council said the plan was to trial on-demand minibuses from existing bus stops alongside the area's fixed-route services through said the aim is "to connect villages with main bus routes" where people can then catch onward drop-in sessions are planned on Tuesday in Cottesmore, Exton, Stretton and Clipsham, on Thursday in Greetham, Market Overton and Wymondham, on Saturday 15 March in Thistleton and on Wednesday 19 March back in Oakham. 'Changing network' A similar on-demand bus service was launched in the neighbouring Melton Mowbray area in council's transport lead Christine Wise said: "These roadshow events will be a great way for people to learn more about how their local transport network is changing, as well as seeing our new vehicles and asking any questions they may have."She added information will also be made available online and there will be further roadshows as the rollout roadshow will also provide details of the new RZ1 bus which is replacing the existing R2 route, the council added.
