How to set up a regular minibus service

What is a regular minibus service

A regular minibus service provides scheduled transport for specific groups of people who register and book in advance.

It is not a public bus service and operates under a Section 19 Standard Permit, which allows not-for-profit organisations to run group travel services.

Key features:

  • Passengers must be members of the group, beneficiaries of the organisation, or part of a community with unmet transport needs.
  • Journeys are pre-booked and tailored to group requirements.
  • Fares, membership fees, or activity charges may be used to cover costs.
  • Services can be flexible and adjusted based on demand.

This model is ideal for organisations supporting older people, disabled residents, or isolated communities.

When is a regular minibus service suitable?

Consider this model if:

  • you want to provide door-to-door transport for a defined group
  • there is a specific need for access to local facilities such as shops, leisure centres, or health services
  • you require flexibility to cancel or change trips based on demand
  • you do not need to accept concessionary bus passes (these are not valid under Section 19)
Set up and management

To run a community bus service, you will need:

  1. A minibus (owned or hired) – see guidance on buying or hiring a minibus.
  2. Drivers – paid or voluntary. A pool of trained volunteers helps reduce costs.
  3. A treasurer – to manage finances and reporting.
  4. A service coordinator – to plan routes, timetables, and driver rotas.
  5. Access to a MiDAS driver assessor/trainer – if you have a pool of volunteer drivers, this helps maintain safety and standards.
Legal requirements and best practice

The essential legal requirements:

  1. Operate under a Section 19 Standard Permit, which is required if passengers contribute to journey costs.
  2. If hiring a minibus from a community transport scheme, you may be covered by their permit.
  3. Ensure compliance with safety standards, insurance, and driver licensing.
  4. Follow best practice in safeguarding, accessibility, and volunteer management.
Next steps
  1. Recruit a committee. Form a group to oversee planning, operations, and governance.
  2. Appoint drivers. Engage volunteers or hire drivers as needed.
  3. Obtain a minibus. Buy or hire a suitable vehicle.
  4. Calculate costs. Develop a budget including vehicle, staffing, insurance, and admin.
  5. Apply for a section 19 permit. Determine if you need your own or can operate under an existing scheme.
  6. Establish service details. Define user needs, routes, timetables, fares, and membership structure.