'Cliff edge' threat to lifeline minibus services after licence change triggers driver shortage
Training required “unaffordable and unrealistic”
Vital transport for thousands of people who rely on community-run minibuses is threatened by a looming driver shortage “cliff edge” caused by licence changes, campaigners have warned.
Groups who provide the service say they cannot afford the cost of training new drivers to replace retirees who were exempt from having to take an additional driving test.
The Community Transport Association (CTA) said the “overwhelming majority” of its 216 members in Scotland, who run a total of nearly 700 minibuses, were suffering driver shortages.
It said the time-consuming training required for the D1 licences cost up to £2,000, which was “unaffordable and unrealistic”.
Drivers who passed their driving test before 1997 are exempt from requiring the additional licence.
The CTA has called for younger drivers to complete a “training based upgrade” instead, such as the minibus driver awareness scheme, or Midas, costing less than £300.
David Kelly, its Scotland director, said: “In many parts of Scotland, the crisis is more acute [than the rest of the UK], because many of our rural, remote and island places rely so heavily on community-owned minibuses to deliver lifeline services in public transport deserts.
“We also have a larger proportion of smaller-scale community transport operators with smaller budgets and smaller-scale fleets, meaning the financial, bureaucratic and operational barriers they face to recruiting and training qualified minibus drivers are insurmountable.
“We need the UK government to act now to avoid this dangerous cliff edge and safeguard the long-term future of community transport.
“Without change, many community transport services and operators will be at risk of reduction, withdrawal or closure.”
Kelvin Cochrane, chief executive of Edinburgh-based HcL Transport, formerly Handicabs, which provides “accessible transport for people with mobility challenges” in the Lothians, said: “We’re struggling. We’re recruiting for nine new minibus drivers and it’s very difficult. It’s about survival.”
John Reid, manager of South Ayrshire Community Transport, said: “We rely heavily on older drivers who have the D1 entitlement. The difficulties around D1 licensing will make it harder for us to recruit and retain drivers, potentially reducing the availability of essential transport for people who rely on it.”
Susan Dever, chief executive of Cumnock-based Coalfield Community Transport in East Ayrshire, said: “Driver shortages over the next five to ten years pose a serious threat.
“Many rural communities depend on these services for essential journeys, enabling people who are already geographically disadvantaged to access shops, healthcare, support groups and social activities.
“Reduced services would restrict access to employment, local businesses, healthcare and community support, increasing isolation and placing additional pressure on health and social care services.
“Without proportionate reform of minibus licensing, supported by strict mandatory training and robust safety standards, we believe the community transport sector will struggle to survive in its current form beyond 2035.”
Donald Hall, chief executive of Badenoch and Strathspey Community Connections in Aviemore, said: “The D1 issue is fundamental for the future of community transport. The current situation has a massive impact on our ability to recruit drivers and deliver essential services.”
Jenny Milne, director the Scottish Rural and Islands Transport Community, said: “Funding needs to be made available to ensure people can get the correct training to be able to support lifeline transport services in rural communities.”
The UK Department for Transport said it would review the CTA’s proposals “in due course”.
Its spokesperson said: “We have increased funding for the delivery of these important services by 60 per cent, with up to £3.8 million delivered each year, helping local communities access the travel support they need.”
It said the increased support to help with operating costs would continue until the end of March, with a further 60 per cent being added “to support the sector during the current period of increased fuel costs”.
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