Community transport charity wins King's Award

14 hours ago

South Hams District Council A minibus-style vehicle in bright yellow is parked on a paved area outside a light‑coloured building. It is branded “Bob the Bus”, and also features a slogan “Hail & Ride – Access For All” printed in blue along the side. — Scheduled services of Bob the Bus around Totnes provide 45,000 passenger journeys a year

A community transport charity has received the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

Bob the Bus, run by Totnes and Rural Community Transport (TARCT), has scheduled services in and around Totnes and provided 45,000 passenger journeys each year, South Hams District Council said.

As part of the national award presentation, the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, visited Bob the Bus volunteers at Follaton House, Totnes, in April.

He said: "It is a well-deserved accolade which I hope they will carry forward with them as they continue to provide their excellent contribution to their community."

South Hams District Council said Bob the Bus had two part-time staff and a "dedicated team of drivers and back-office volunteers".

It said it supported the charity through an allocation of £10,000 Community Resilience Grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund towards a new bus in 2024/2025.

Steve Grove, Totnes and Rural Community Transport's chair of trustees, said: "This award is a tribute to everyone involved over the charity's 30-year history: volunteer drivers, trustees, coordinators, passengers and supporters.

"Bob the Bus is only possible with the hard work and commitment of our volunteers, especially the drivers, without whom we couldn't operate. We are always looking for new volunteers so if you want to help us make a huge difference to the local community, please get in touch."

He added three local businesses had become major sponsors for 2026.

"At a time of rising costs, we're working hard with all our local councils as well as our neighbouring Community Transport groups to keep services running," he said.