Residents across West Dunbartonshire will benefit from improved access to healthcare appointments after West Dunbartonshire Community Transport secured £36,000 from our Transmission Net Zero Fund to purchase a new electric vehicle.
West Dunbartonshire Community Transport provides free, essential transport for people attending GP, hospital and clinic appointments across Clydebank, Dalmuir, Old Kirkpatrick, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven. The service is also used as a tool to battle social isolation within the local elderly community by transporting them to a regular lunch club hosted in Lomond Parish Church Halls.
Since launching in 2023, the service has provided weekly pick-ups and drop-offs to those who struggle to access public transport, including older people and those living with health conditions. The service is designed to offer a reliable, community-led transport option that reduces unnecessary cancellations and supports independence for those who need it most.
The new EV willl replace one of the team's existing diesel minivans, helping improve the service while also reducing carbon emissions.
Andrew Sinnott, Project Delivery Manager and Community Driver at West Dunbartonshire Community Transport, said: "This funding is a real boost for our community. We know getting to medical appointments isn't always straightforward, especially for people without access to a car, those with mobility challenges, or anyone who feels anxious about travelling alone.
"Thanks to SP Energy Networks' Transmission Net Zero Fund, we can bring in a new electric vehicle and offer a dependable, friendly list to the care people need, while also reducing emissions locally."
Graham Campbell, Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "The West Dunbartonshire Community Transport project is a great example of how community-led solutions can make everyday life better. It is helping people access essential services like healthcare, while also supporting the transition to cleaner transport. It's exactly the kind of local impact our Transmission Net Zero Fund was designed to enable."
The service aims to ensure residents can access the care they need, regardless of transport barriers, while helping reduce reliance on private cars and limited public transport links.
Further details on eligibility and how to access the service will be shared on West Dunbartonshire Community Transport's Facebook page in the coming weeks.