New transport fleet for St Helens Borough's most vulnerable approved
Councillors have approved plans to refresh the fleet of vehicles that support greater independence for some of the most vulnerable people across St Helens Borough.
Article date: September 25 2025
At Cabinet councillors voted in favour of the plans that will see the current fleet of adapted buses that provide transport for children and adult social care replaced.
Councillor Tracy Dickinson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services, said: "This fleet makes a difference every day and provides a vital lifeline to families as these vehicles open up opportunities for their loved ones. As with vehicles that are heavily used day in day out, they get older and they cost more in maintenance so it's vital that they are replaced."
Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, added: "Every day these vehicles are out on our borough's roads supporting families with everything from helping children get to school or supporting adults with a range of needs to get to our wonderful services that provide an enriching experience outside of their own home where they can spend time with friends. These replacements will mean we can continue to offer the much needed respite support we offer our most vulnerable residents."
The plans approved will see six of the nine-strong fleet replaced in 2025/26, with a further three bought in 2026/27. The service is managed in-house by the council's Operations Team who have worked with both Children and Adult Social Care services to make sure the replacements will meet the needs of those using the fleet.
To find out more about the plans visit: Cabinet report on social care fleet replacement