Community Minibuses

Who can use the scheme?

Many community groups organise trips that need a minibus. Unfortunately some members are unable to take part because they need to use a wheelchair or have problems with an ordinary vehicle.

The scheme is intended for groups like Age Concern, Sheltered Housing Residents Groups, and other clubs which aim to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities or frail elderly people in our community.

We operate the scheme on behalf of Devon County Council to hire minibuses in this area to local voluntary community groups to improve access to facilities, shopping centres, leisure amenities or outings.

What is available?

The minibus has a tail lift and other safety equipment to ensure passengers are carried in comfort. There are up to 15 seats some of which will need to be removed to accommodate wheelchairs.

When?

The vehicle is used for a day centre which means that it is usually available at weekends, after 5.30pm or for some time during the middle of the day. The vehicle is only available for a full day at weekends.

How much?

Charges start from £20 and a full day's hire would cost £40 (covering up to 70 miles) additional mileage is charges at 45p per mile. A half-day charge can be negotiated but a charge for mileage is made. Groups are invoiced after the journey and payment should be made within 14 days.

Charges are reviewed annually in June.

All prices are exclusive of VAT.

Drivers

Groups should provide their own drivers who must be approved by Devon County Council. We may be able to provide a volunteer but it may not be possible to provide a driver on the day you wish to go out. Groups should remember that no part of the hire charge is paid be the driver.

How to apply

  1. Call us on 01884 242099, Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4.30pm. If we are unable to take your call please leave your name and telephone number and we will ring back. Please try to give at least 24 hours notice.
  2. Complete the form for free registration with Devon County Council, this is for insurance purposes.
  3. Make detailed booking arrangements including: date, start/finish times, pick-up points, destination, number of passengers, number and type of wheelchairs. It is important to stick to the finish time as the vehicle may be required elsewhere.
  4. The vehicles often have to start very early in the morning to please leave them clean and tidy. This is NOT the responsibility of the voluntary driver.
  5. ANY defect on the vehicle or incident in which the vehicle has been involved must be reported to us as soon as possible.
  6. Groups hiring the vehicles are liable for the insurance excess of £100 in the event of an incident regardless of blame. To reduce the burden on individual groups a contribution of £2 per hire is requested to build up a fund to pay the excess.