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Major investment in green transport for vulnerable children and adults

Transport and Streets
12:08, Friday, 24th March 2023

Transport for vulnerable children and adults is set to be transformed through a multi-million pound investment in cleaner, greener buses.

The council takes eligible young people and adults to school, clubs and other community activities every week of the year.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children and families, said: “We take our duties as a transport provider for vulnerable children and adults very seriously, which is why we are making this major investment in our transport fleet.”

The new fleet of minibuses will be cheaper to maintain and run and align with the council’s A Green Future strategy – including contributing to its aim to go carbon neutral by 2030.

A range of minibuses will be bought with features including tail-lifts for easy wheelchair access. They will be more reliable and reduce emissions.

Plans are in place for a mix of electric and diesel vehicles – which could be converted to low carbon technology when this becomes more widely available.

Cllr Reed added: “The pledges we have made to become carbon neutral were never at the expense of jobs or livelihoods nor the quality provision for residents who need support from us.

“This investment not only has a positive impact on our green ambitions but also futureproofs this vital transport to those vulnerable people and their families who rely upon it.

“The new minibuses will be more reliable and cost less to run, while looking to the future and providing a valid green option.”

The council will now go out to procure the new fleet of minibuses with further details to be announced in the coming weeks – with North Lincolnshire firms encouraged to get involved.

Cllr Elaine Marper, cabinet member for finance, added: “We’re keen to ensure that when we spend taxpayers’ money like this that as much as possible we support local firms, ensuring the money goes into the local economy.”