Newtown residents celebrate following launch of new Dial-a-Ride electric minibus

Newtown & District Dial-a-Ride welcomed its new state-of-the-art electric vehicle earlier this week, marking a significant step towards more sustainable community transport in the region.

The company, which provides affordable wheelchair accessible community transport for the elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents of Newtown and the surrounding area, received the cash boost from the former UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund in partnership with Cultivate.  

The new minibus, now ready for use, will not only serve as a convenient and environmentally friendly option for Dial-a-Ride users but will also be part of a broader community minibus share and hire scheme. 

This initiative aims to extend the availability of affordable, accessible transportation to groups and organisations throughout the area.

A special event to unveil the minibus and showcase its role in the community was held at the Dial-a-Ride Newtown office.

Manager of Newtown & District Dial-a-Ride Steve Evans said: “Newtown Dial-a-Ride is excited to be partnering with Cultivate on this joint project and hope that it is the first of many local collaborations.  

“We, together with Cultivate, would like to thank and acknowledge the help and support of the following who were key in providing and distributing the funding: The Government’s Levelling Up fund, Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), Powys County Council and Growing Mid Wales.  

"Newtown Dial a Ride would also like to thank The Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity who awarded £2,000 to cover the annual cost of regular safety checks on all of our vehicles including the new e-vehicle and to Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council for supporting us with an award of £1000 to cover the cost of the first year’s insurance for the e-vehicle.  

“We extend our special thanks to Nick Burdekin of Cultivate whose contributions to the collaborative funding application were invaluable to its success.”  

Russell George, member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire, also attended the launch and met with the team behind this community milestone.

He said: “I congratulate the Newtown & District Dial a Ride team on securing the funding in collaboration with Cultivate for the purchase of the new e-minibus. 

“It was fantastic to be part of celebrating the achievement. This is fantastic news for Newtown and the surrounding community.

"Newtown & District Dial offer great support to people of all ages, those in ill-health, or with a disability, through the provision of accessible transport services. 

“The new e-vehicle will allow them to continue servicing those that need support and provide longevity to the organisation.”