New green fully electric Nissan e-NV200 bus for Nairn – the on demand Dial-A-Bus service will be operated by Wheels in Nairnshire and has been introduced by Highland Council
Highland Council has introduced a pioneering new Dial-A-Bus service for communities in Nairnshire.
Wheels in Nairnshire (WiN) and the authority’s transport co-ordination unit have worked in partnership to create a project to deliver on-demand transport to the area.
The council is understood to be one of the first local authorities in the UK to have taken possession of a fully electric, wheelchair accessible vehicle, a Nissan e-NV200, which will be used by WiN to deliver the service.
Councillor Tom Heggie, the chairman of the Nairnshire area committee, said: “This is a unique and innovative plan that encourages usage based on need rather than ability to pay.
“It also gives those who are able the opportunity to contribute more significantly to the lifeline service.”
Ali MacDonald, the council’s senior transport officer, said: “Our team are constantly looking at alternative approaches to transport provision, recognising that traditional public transport delivery may not always be the best way to address the unique needs of a particular community.
“With this approach, we are facilitating a valuable service, and also involving communities directly in transport solutions.
“We are thrilled that WiN have taken the reins of this project, and that we can help them along the way.”
Jon Wartnaby, Wheels in Nairnshire’s Dial-a-Bus manager, said: “In the short time we have been running the Dial-a-Bus in Nairnshire we have helped people get to medical appointments, do their shopping and meet up with friends and family they haven’t seen in a long time.
“Every week we are getting busier and busier with new customers trying out the service.”
To give Dial-a-Bus or the volunteer car scheme a try ring 07716 214777 to book.
The dedicated vehicle started on September 13 and is available Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 5pm.
