Iveco, through the CNH Industrial Solidarity Fund, a global fund set up to support local areas, is donating a brand-new minibus to the Basildon Community Transport Service charity.
Funded by both Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council, the not-for-profit charity currently runs a fleet of six minibuses, five of which are Iveco Daily models. Now in its 20th year, these vehicles operate a mix of dial-a-ride, local bus routes and group booking hire services across the Basildon area – the home of Iveco and CNH Industrial.
Basildon Community Transport Service: The Minibus
Iveco’s own dealer group, Iveco Retail, has been charged with preparing the minibus, including the livery process. The vehicle, an Iveco Bus Daily Start, is a factory-built solution for local transfers, able to accommodate 16 passengers. The 4.25t GVW vehicle’s pneumatic rear suspension and automatically retractable step under the sliding side access door ensure comfort and ease of access for its users.
Under the bonnet is Iveco’s 180hp heavy-duty 3.0-litre diesel engine, paired to an eight-speed Hi-Matic automatic gearbox to create a smooth and stress-free driving experience. Combined with a class-leading turning circle, the Daily works well for the frequent stop-start operations the vehicle faces as it weaves its way around Basildon.
Driven by a number of the charity’s employed drivers, the vehicle also features heat-insulating tinted windows, air conditioning with a centralised passenger climate system, heated and suspended front seats, aluminium-trimmed wooden flooring and LED passenger compartment lighting. Full LED headlights, crosswind assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and reversing sensors help to ensure the occupants’ safety. The 7.0-inch Hi-Connect infotainment system offers scope for entertainment, too.
Iveco Bus Daily offers the same flexibility and durability as its commercial counterparts, with 24/7 support from Iveco’s dealer-managed Non-Stop roadside assistance product, Iveco On fleet management and smart Repair & Maintenance packages. Daily Bus products also come as standard with a three-year and 100,000-mile warranty.
Basildon Community Transport Service: The Charity
The BTCS
operation not only provides both the elderly and less-able members of the community with comfortable and convenient transport for shopping and medical appointments, but also a means of socialisation – something that unfortunately has been seriously lacking for a large number of people throughout the pandemic. The drivers and volunteers often take the time to check in on members and assist with grocery shopping too.
While services have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past couple of years, the buses are back working hard and edging back towards 2,000+ passengers per month and a total annual mileage of over 60,000 miles. All vehicles have been retrofitted with a mask supply and hand sanitiser station, supplementing a regular and thorough cleaning regime.
“You can imagine how delighted we were when we were contacted by Iveco with their extremely generous donation, and we are proud to have the support of local business,” commended BCTS chief executive, Tina Tickner. “We were originally drawn to the Iveco Daily minibuses for their large passenger capacity, value and reputation for reliability. While the newest Daily on our fleet is now ten years old, they continue to serve the charity well and we look forward to welcoming the new bus aboard.”
BCTS upholds a tradition for naming its minibuses after significant people within the organisation, proudly displaying the name across the quarter panels. The new bus is to be named ‘Dave’ after the oldest working member of the team, and longest-serving volunteer, Dave Simms. At 83, Dave has been with the charity for over a decade, having originally worked with the sister organisation in Brentwood. Dave’s Daily will be hitting the road alongside ‘Doreen’, another Iveco bus named in memory of Dave’s late wife who also worked within the trust.
Mike Cutts, Iveco Light Business-line Director said: “We’re honoured to be able to support a hard-working charity like BCTS who strive so hard to improve the quality of life and provide invaluable socialisation within the local community. Long may ‘Dave’, ‘Doreen’ and the other minibuses continue to have a positive effect on the daily lives of those who ‘meet’ them.”
- Ford Ranger PHEV onboard power is cleaner and cheaper than a generator
- Pickup market slumps for ninth straight month after tax changes
- Ineos Grenadier and Quartermaster cleared for UK blue-light use
- JAC Hunter PHEV points to faster-moving electrified pickup market
- Urban builds the Defender pickup Land Rover won’t sell
