£25,000 Grant Boosts Community Transport in Broughton and Mottisfont
New electric bus funded by Test Valley Borough Council replaces ageing vehicle, ensuring vital local transport services.
By Natalie Osborne
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of a modern electric bus parked in a rural English village setting.
Broughton and Mottisfont Community Bus has welcomed a new electric bus, funded by a £25,000 grant from Test Valley Borough Council's Community Asset Fund, securing vital transport services for the rural area.
The new electric bus replaces an older, unreliable, and costly-to-maintain vehicle. The entirely volunteer-run service is crucial for residents in Broughton, Mottisfont, and surrounding villages, providing transport for shopping, appointments, and social activities in an area with limited public transport options.
This investment not only ensures the future of the service but also supports the community's commitment to sustainability by reducing its environmental impact. The community bus, operating since 1982, facilitated over 2,500 passenger journeys last year.
The arrival of the new bus was celebrated during Community Transport Week, with local residents, councillors Alison Johnston and Stewart MacDonald, and MP Caroline Nokes in attendance. The event also showcased new community electric vehicle charging facilities.
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"Reliable transport can make a huge difference to people living in our rural communities. It’s particularly exciting to see that this new bus is electric, helping residents stay connected while supporting the community’s ambitions for a more sustainable future."
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"The community bus is a lifeline for many people in Broughton, Mottisfont and the surrounding villages. This funding has helped the charity replace an ageing vehicle with a new electric bus, ensuring residents can continue accessing essential services, staying connected and remaining independent. It's a fantastic example of local organisations making a real difference to community life."
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"Our passengers rely on us to provide a service they can plan their lives around, so replacing our ageing bus was important. We’re extremely grateful for the support towards the new vehicle and to all our volunteers who keep the service running."
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"The Broughton and Mottisfont Community Bus is a fantastic example of what local action can achieve, and it was wonderful to celebrate its new electric vehicle during Community Transport Week. Congratulations to everyone whose vision, determination and hard work have made this possible - I know it has not been an easy journey."
Further information about Broughton and Mottisfont Community Bus is available via email at thevillagebus@outlook.com or by visiting the Village Bus website.
