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Driving a Handybus |
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Driving a Handybus |
What is a Handybus? Handybuses are provided by West Berkshire Council and are operated by a network of independent voluntary community transport operators. Newbury's two Handybuses are 9/10 seater minibuses modified to provide easy access, including low steps and passenger lifts to enable wheelchair bound passengers to be carried. They provide regular transport for elderly and disabled people on shopping trips and visits to clubs, mostly in and around Newbury and Thatcham, as well as one-off trips and excursions where regular commitments permit.
As well as the Handybuses, we own and operate a 'Chairman' vehicle. This is a Mercedes Veto people carrier modified to provide accommodation for a wheelchair and easy access for disabled people.
West Berkshire council are responsible for servicing and maintaining the vehicles, but Volunteer Centre West Berkshire organises the service, recruits the drivers and pays the running costs. We do this from the subsidised fares paid by the passengers of the service, but are also dependent on donations and fundraising activities. So how can I help? We always need drivers to ensure the continuity of this service on which so many people depend. If you can find some time, on a regular or casual basis, to use your physical fitness, caring attitude and reliability to help the people we serve in your community, we should be delighted to hear from you. What will I need to do?
You then just need to decide how much time you can offer to the service. As most of our trips are regularly scheduled, your availability can be fitted in with these in advance. We also have requirements for one-off journeys in between the regular trips, so it is always welcome if you can sometimes be available for these occasions; you will normally be given several days notice of the arrangements. Although your services are offered on a voluntary basis, we will pay your private car mileage from your home to the operator's base and back each time you drive for us. OK, I'm interested - who do I talk to? If you think that you could help, we should be delighted if you could drop in for a chat or give us a phone call with no obligation. Please contact: or email us at jobshop@nvb1.fsnet.co.uk A few hours of your time would make a lot of difference to a lot of people. |
As the Handybuses are equipped to carry more than eight people, you will need to take some basic training to learn about the operation of the bus and to ensure the safe boarding, transport and disembarking of our passengers. At the end of the training you will take a nationally approved test, administered by West Berkshire, which will qualify you to be a Handybus driver. (This test is not required for operating the 'Chairman' vehicle).