Minibuses
ߣsirÊÓƵ and Bute Council permits the use of its minibuses where available by community groups, clubs and local organisations. It is important to note however that the following conditions apply in every case:
- the organisation has a section 19 permit (also known as a council mini bus permit - find out more about section 19 permits
- the driver has successfully completed the minibus driving assessment in the last 3 years - find out more about minibus assessments
- the driver has a current driving licence with no more than 3 penalty points on it
- The driver’s licence must have the category D1 accreditation that allows the holder to drive a minibus.
- All minibuses MUST be paid for in advance, or keys will not be released.
Read the code of conduct and conditions of let for hiring council minibuses.
The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Glasgow City Centre will commence on 1st June 2023. ߣsirÊÓƵ and Bute Council school minibuses currently do not meet the emission standards for entry to the City Centre and will result in a fine. Any fines received by ߣsirÊÓƵ and Bute Council will be re-directed to your group which is held liable for payment.
Booking a minibus
Minibus bookings can be made online:
(You will need to create an account the first time you make a booking online)
Important. changes to driving licences from 8th June 2015
View our poster for information about the driving licence changes.
Find out how to get a section 19 permit and a minibus driving assessment
Find out further information about availability of bookings, permits and prices.
Community Transport
Cowal Dialabus
Dialabus is a door-to-door service for the elderly and people with mobility problems.
The area served by Cowal Dialabus stretches from Ardentinny to Toward on a Wednesday and Thursday and from Strachur to Toward on a Monday.
To book telephone 0345 128 4027.
You can get more information and read the timetable here >
Interloch Transport
Interloch Transport provides a door to door assisted transport service for people of ages, who through sickness, mobility problems, disability or isolation find it difficult to access Public Transport, allowing them to access services GP/Hospital/Dental, Shopping, Hairdressers, Social Events. It operates across rural Cowal & Bute.
For more information please contact: 01369 840474
Inveraray Community Bus
17 seats including driver. Available for hire to groups and individuals.
For more information please contact:
Alistair Rodden on 07884 250951, send a message via WhatsApp, or email: inveraraycommunitybus@outlook.com
Lismore Community Transport
Since July 2011 the voluntary organisation and Scottish registered charity has provided a transport service for elderly and mobility-impaired members of the island community on Lismore.
For more information please contact:
Gilly Dixon-Spain, Lismore Community Transport
Tel: 01631 760282
Lochgoil Community Bus
15 seat accessible Community Bus. Available for hire to groups and individuals in Cowal.
For more information please contact:
Elizabeth Bain
Tel: 01301 703504 or email elizabeth@cherrybankcottage.co.uk
Mid ߣsirÊÓƵ Transport Volunteers
Mid ߣsirÊÓƵ Transport Volunteers aim to provide transport for elderly, disabled and isolated people who may experience difficulty using public transport.Types of journeys include hospital appointments, doctors’ appointments and optician & dentist appointments. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles and are paid a mileage allowance.
For more information, please contact Catherine on 01546 603564, Monday - Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
North ߣsirÊÓƵ Volunteer Car Scheme
The scheme organises volunteer drivers to use their own cars to help people who are unable to make use of public transport to access essential services. Destinations include local surgeries, the hospital, dentist, optician, hairdresser and shopping. Transport can also be provided to day care and to social events such as lunch clubs. The car scheme covers the Community Council areas of Seil, Luing, Kilninver and Kilmelford, Glenorchy, Innishail, Taynuilt, Kilchrenan and Dalavich.
Passengers must register with the co-ordinator and are asked to make a contribution to their journey costs.
For more information please contact:
Lisa Robinson
Tel: 01852 300434 or email: lisanavcs@gmail.com
Ross of Mull and Iona Community Transport Scheme
The scheme offers a 7 seater electric minibus - available for all residents' transport needs. Journeys are subject to donations to cover fuel costs. For more information, please contact: drivers@romicts.org.uk