Leeds is on the right road as new minibuses provide vital support service

The council has taken delivery of 22 Treka Mobility+ vehicles, which are now being used on a daily basis to transport people with special educational needs and disabilities to and from learning, day care and other community settings.

The minibuses are designed to offer maximum flexibility and comfort, with features requested by the council – including glider doors, detachable seating and lift access for wheelchairs – ensuring they fully meet a whole range of individual requirements and provide an enjoyable journey experience.

The investment aligns with the council’s Best City Ambition, which aims to make sure that Leeds is a place where people – whatever their background or personal circumstances – can lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.

The community-focused modernisation of this part of the local authority’s passenger transport fleet will also, it is anticipated, bring long-term financial benefits by reducing ad-hoc maintenance costs and delivering more efficient levels of fuel consumption.

The council has worked closely with Treka for a number of years, with the reliability and quality of the Yorkshire-based vehicle manufacturer’s aftercare service and support playing a key role in the enduring success of the relationship between the two.

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources, said:

“The accessibility, flexibility and comfort offered by these minibuses will mean easier and more enjoyable journeys for everyone who uses them. 

"In challenging financial times I’m pleased and proud that we have been able to fund this investment to provide high-quality transport for our residents which will make a really positive difference to their lives.

“I'd like to thank our drivers and the many other council staff who keep our vital passenger transport services on the road day in, day out, they really are helping to change people's lives."

Treka secured the contract to supply the minibuses following an open and transparent tender process conducted through the council’s approved third party framework for vehicle purchases.

More details about the range of support provided by the council’s passenger transport service can be found here. The addition of the minibuses means the service now has 219 full-sized welfare vehicles at its disposal.

Click here for further information about the Best City Ambition – the council’s vision for the future of Leeds – and how it aims to improve local people’s lives up to 2030 and beyond.

ENDS