GoCo team leader Sharon Tibbs said the bus would replace an older vehicle and would mainly be used to transport clients to Tamworth. About 500 clients used the community transport service, with a number of clients wheelchair bound.

“Without it, a lot of people can’t get to Tamworth with wheelchairs,” Ms Tibbs said.

Funded by Transport NSW, the Mercedes Benz vehicle has nine seats and a space for a wheelchair, with an automatic wheelchair lift at the rear.

The vehicle has a high roof to allow clients to stand fully upright and is outfitted with an automatic door and step, and safety rails.

“It’s going to be able to be used across the GoCo services,” Ms Tibbs said.

Ms Tibbs said there were currently 20 volunteer drivers whose main focus was getting clients to their destination in a safe, efficient and helpful manner. 

Gunnedah’s Stephen King has been volunteering as a driver for almost a year and said he transports clients about three times a week.

“I’ve been volunteering most of my adult life. I spent 44 years with the State Emergency Services. I think volunteering is in my blood and I felt there was something more I could do for my community that I couldn’t do with the State Emergency Services,” he said.

“I had a look around and saw the Community Transport was always willing to take on new volunteers and since doing it I’ve had such a great time doing it.

“Each passenger comes from a different walk of life and has a different story in life.”

The volunteer said many clients couldn’t drive themselves to appointments and didn’t have someone else to help them, so they relied on the service.

“It’s an essential part of their lives,” Mr King said.

Mr King said he was looking forward to driving the new bus and said anyone with free time on their hands should consider volunteering.

For more information on the service, phone Sharon Tibbs or Suzi Beard at GoCo Community Transport on 67402240.