Minibus Group Hire

The Nidderdale Plus community minibus is a wheelchair friendly minibus which is available to local community groups, charities, schools, churches and not-for-profit organisations who need flexible, affordable and accessible solutions to their transport needs.

Nidderdale Plus is a registered charity and therefore operates on a not-for-profit basis.  To check the price and availability of the minibus, please call 01423 714953.

Who can use the minibus

The minibus is operated by Nidderdale Plus under a Section 19 Minibus Permit which makes it available to not-for-profit community groups. Groups eligible to use the minibus would be those concerned with:*

  • Health and social welfare
  • Sports
  • Education
  • Environmental activities
  • Religious activities

*Please note, this list is not exhaustive.  Call us to enquire if you are unsure if your group is eligible: 01423 714953.

You can download the minibus procedures, terms & conditions below:

The minibus

The minibus is fully wheelchair accessible with a ramp for ease of access.  It can accommodate one passenger in a wheelchair.  Its features include:

  • Seating capacity for 14 passengers (11 if a wheelchair passenger is on board)
  • Ramp for wheelchair access
  • Hand rail and steps
  • Low level step for ease of embarkation
  • Air conditioning

Benefits of the community minibus

The minibus has the facilities to enable wheelchair users to board and alight using a ramp, and there is specialist equipment to secure both the user and their wheelchair.

Using our minibus ensures that your journey is more affordable , safe and legal, as well as being provided in a properly serviced and well maintained vehicle.

The minibus is maintained according to a strict maintenance regime and has regular checks to ensure roadworthiness.

Membership

Any not-for-profit group or club wanting to make use of the group hire service is required to have daily or annual membership through Nidderdale Plus Community Hub.

A “no obligation” quote will be given following enquiries for journeys you require, and the minibus can be hired for a period of several hours, a whole day, or longer.  Please call us on 01423 714953 or email us at admin@nidderdaleplus.org.uk for a membership registration form and a quotation.

Who will drive the minibus?

The minibus can be driven by:

  • One of the Nidd Plus team of volunteer minibus drivers
  • A driver provided by your own organisation provided they are over 30 years old and have a current MiDAS certificate

We can help with providing MiDAS training if you would like to use one of your own drivers and they are not currently trained. 

All Nidd Plus drivers are DBS checked and carry a current MiDAS training certificate.  This covers:

  • Defensive driving
  • Minibuses and the law
  • Emergency procedures
  • Comprehensive training in using the wheelchair ramp
  • Disability awareness
  • Wheelchair handling
  • Securing passengers in wheelchairs in minibuses

Volunteering opportunities

If you enjoy driving and meeting people, then driving our community minibus could be a great way to get out and about in your spare time.  In addition to group hire of the minibus, we offer a number or regular trips to local market towns and also days out to help people in our area who have little access to transport and appreciate getting out and meeting new people.  We are always looking to add to our pool of volunteer drivers at Nidd Plus and provide full training.

You can find our volunteer driver application form here: