Swindon Dial A Ride celebrated its silver jubilee by treating its passengers to a smart new Mercedes-Benz minibus.
The charity provides residents who have mobility impairments, many of whom are elderly, with subsidised transport which is safe, accessible and comfortable.
Swindon Dial A Ride was founded in 1986 and is a long-standing customer of dealer Rygor Commercials, It has been running 10 wheelchair-friendly Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, but the new arrival is its first from the latest, low-emission Euro 5 range.
Specially sign-written to commemorate the 25th anniversary, the Long-bodied Sprinter 313CDI is 15% more fuel efficient than the model it replaced – equating to an extra 4.5mpg. CO2 emissions, meanwhile, are down by 13%.
The van was adapted by Tiverton-based Courtside Conversions, which fitted an automatic wheelchair lift at the rear, and fold-down steps for those accessing the vehicle via the front passenger door.
Director Evelyn Ryder says: "The Sprinter has proved itself to be a steadfast workhorse. Our vehicles often cover 100 or more miles a day and much of the work is of a demanding, stop-start nature. But come rain or shine our Mercedes have never let us down."
