Community Minibus

Updated

Since 1982, Peterborough Lions Club has owned and maintained a minibus for community groups in the area. ELSA, our current vehicle, helps Scouts, care homes, Chernobyl Children’s visits, and many other local organisations get out and about — often for little more than the cost of fuel.

Who can use it?

Any local community group that can meet the booking requirements below. Over the years the bus has supported:

  • Scout and Guide outings across Peterborough
  • Seaside and day trips for older or disadvantaged residents
  • Annual visits from Chernobyl Children’s charities
  • Other one-off community transport needs

How booking works

Your group provides

  • A qualified driver (or drivers) with the correct licence category — see the warning below
  • Fuel for your trip
  • The minibus returned clean, tidy, and fully fuelled for the next group

Peterborough Lions Club provides

  • The vehicle, fully insured and maintained
  • No hire fee — though many groups choose to donate towards running costs, which we appreciate

Bookings are first come, first served. Email secretary@peterboroughlions.org.uk with your preferred dates, the name of each driver, and proof they are qualified before collection.

Warning

Driver licence requirements

ELSA has 17 seats and weighs 4,600 kg. Many car licences are not enough on their own. Drivers need Category D1 on their licence (D1+E if towing a trailer) and must send us a DVLA check code before the trip. Generate a code at view your driving licence on GOV.UK.

Tip

No hire charge

There is no fee to use the minibus. Donations towards fuel and upkeep are always welcome and help us keep this service running for the community.

Voices from the community

2nd Nene Scouts

Letter of thanks from 2nd Nene Scouts

Greg Jones, Joint Scout Leader, Apollo Troop, 2nd Nene Scouts:

I would like to thank Peterborough Lions for your support of Scouting in Peterborough over many years.

With the use of the Peterborough Lions Community Minibus the groups that I have been involved with have been able to take Scouts (aged 10–14), Explorers (14–18), and supporting adults to many destinations with minimum — fuel only — transport costs.

I hope you are able to get funding for a replacement vehicle to continue your support to Scouting and other organisations in Peterborough.

Read the full testimonial (PDF) Download

A little history

An earlier Peterborough Lions community minibus

Our previous minibus served the club for nearly a decade before ELSA replaced it. Community transport has been part of what we do for more than forty years — with only a few short gaps along the way.

London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay

Peterborough Lions supporting the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay

Peterborough Lions were proud to support the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay when it passed through our city.