New Minibus has arrived!

Being equipped with specialist vehicles that allow transport of our students is crucial for Treloar’s. Our transport fleet undertakes around 3,500 journeys per year so the experience that each vehicle provides to its passengers is incredibly important.

Over the years, our Transport Manager, Mark Copping, has established a close relationship with Mike Gasper from Stanford, who custom-builds minibuses and conversions, and together they have perfected a high standard specification for four of Treloar’s minibuses. With Mike’s help, the pair ensures that each minibus is enjoyable to travel on, and most importantly, does not magnify the fact that it is wheelchair accessible. “We work closely with Mark to achieve a vehicle more akin to a mini coach than an accessible minibus,” says Mike, “I really enjoy working with Mark – Treloar’s vehicles are always a pleasure to spec and build.”

Treloar’s is based in a location that can be difficult to access during winter when the conditions can be challenging, so when a harsh winter arrived, we struggled to transport students to the site so a specialist wheelchair-accessible vehicle was needed. After two years of planning and designing, Stanford delivered a 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter to us.

Mike puts the handover of the 4×4 Sprinter up there with one of his favourites: “The finished vehicle was delivered in 2014 and received a rapturous welcome. It was fantastic to see how excited everyone at Treloar’s was.”

Most recently, we have ordered a second 4×4 vehicle, this time being the brand-new Ford Transit. The new minibus made its debut starring as Stanford’ 12,000th minibus conversion at the 2022 Commercial Vehicle Show. Inspired by Treloar’s students, Mike and the Stanford team were determined to go the extra mile.

In Stanford’s latest minibus, with seats removed, there is a space for up to three wheelchairs which can be loaded on board via the BraunAbility internal trail lift, fitted at the rear of the vehicle.

The vehicle was delivered in August; there are no trips booked as yet, but we are certain that as soon as the school year starts, the demand to use the minibus will quickly rise!

Visit Stanford’s YouTube channel to have a closer look at the minibus: Our 12,000th Minibus for Treloar School & College – YouTube