Fully Accessible Electric Passenger Vehicle

Description

Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly is an independent local charity. We've been working in the local community to help older people for over 50 years. We deliver services, club and activities for people in Cornwall & Isles of Scilly. Our aim is to inspire individuals and communities to age well in later life. The Buzza Bus 2024 Rejuvenation Project, will be the only transport service focused on improving connection and finding transport solutions that increase independence, reduce social isolation and improving the health & wellbeing of local residents on the Isles of Scilly. The service is environmentally friendly, sustainable, fully accessible, cost-effective, and reactive to needs of the community - it is an essential door-to-door transport service for those that cannot use convential forms of transport. This project will replace an ageing Minibus on the Isles of Scilly, and provide a fully accessible Electric Vehicle and Charging Station for people who require essential transport on St Mary's. All bookings will be operated through a bespoke central booking service (Minibus Manager) and managed by our Community Transport team. Passengers will be supported by MiDAS trained drivers. Initially, the transport service will operate Monday-Friday (with limited weekday hours), this funding would help enable us to move to a 7-day service that links seamlessly to social groups, outreach, health support, and services. Reducing the impact on health & statutory services, reducing social isolation and loneliness, and improving general wellbeing. A key part of this project is to build, develop and enrich the Isles of Scilly with an effective Buzza Bus Service - improving connectivity for all individuals in the local community. Furthermore, the Electric Vehicle will have a state-of-the-art wheelchair and ramp system that will ensure a more inclusive, safe, and comfortable journey for individuals who require accessible transport. We will raise awareness and promote this service to stakeholders, reaching more individuals with mobility issues and health related concerns The purchase of this system is part of a grant funded application process and therefore procurement will be subject to grant approval of the project. We will assess tenders received on lowest compliant Tender.