£3m upgrade for Council’s passenger transport fleet 

They have hit the road to help Leicestershire County Council deliver vital services.

38 new vehicles to support people accessing adult social care and enable pupils with additional needs to get to and from school and college are up and running in Leicestershire.

 Leicestershire County Council has invested in the purpose-built vehicles as part of its 20-year fleet replacement programme, to ensure buses are modern, efficient and accessible.

Councillor Charles Whitford, lead member for highways and transport, said: “This investment in our fleet means that reliable, accessible mini-buses are readily available for those who need them, enabling social connection and access to education and essential services.

 “Vehicles are modern and custom-built to suit the needs of passengers and drivers, meaning they’ll save the council money in the long run and provide comfortable, accessible journeys.”

 Mini-buses are fitted with a tail lift, multi-fix flooring to adapt to passenger and wheelchair numbers, easy clean flooring and seating, in-vehicle recording and vehicle tracking systems.

 They are also diesel-powered to the latest Euro 6 specification with automatic transmission, making them easier to operate for drivers, less polluting, more reliable and cheaper to maintain.

They also play another important role as they have messages encouraging people to become much-needed foster carers featured on the sides.

Councillor Whitford said: “When you see our fleet out and about, you’ll notice the council’s call for foster carers clearly advertised on vehicles.

 “With more than 700 children currently in care in Leicestershire, we are always on the look-out for people to come forward and offer children safe and supportive homes – could that be you?”