Keeping us on the Road
Keeping our fleet on the road, safely and reliably, comes at a high cost.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we do not take donations or legacies for granted. Whenever we receive one, we feel incredibly lucky and grateful. It is very humbling when the service we provide to the community is recognised and valued so highly that West Sussex Minibus is specifically nominated as a beneficiary in someone’s Will or Letter of Wishes.
Whatever the value of a donation or legacy, every contribution is important to us. These funds help us keep our minibuses operating year-round, supporting the rural West Sussex communities that rely on our services.
We run a fleet of 11 minibuses, supported by a strict maintenance regime and planned vehicle renewal cycle. Each minibus costs around £3,000 per year to keep on the road in a safe, roadworthy condition. On average, our fleet travels 60,000 miles each year. Regular servicing, maintenance, new tyres and vehicle replacement therefore form an essential part of our fleet management programme.
How recent donations have been used
Here are just some of the ways recent donations and legacies have directly supported our services:
£13,530 – March 2025
This generous donation enabled us to order an updated minibus for our Five Villages (Barnham) hub as part of our fleet renewal programme. The donation represented almost a third of the cost of the new minibus and the costs associated with making it operational.
£2,414 – April 2025
This donation covered the cost of servicing seven of our 11 minibuses, helping us maintain the high standards of safety and reliability our passengers depend upon.
£1,000 – April 2025
With 11 minibuses on the road most days and covering many miles each year, replacing tyres is an ongoing operational cost. This donation paid for six brand-new tyres, helping to keep our vehicles safe and roadworthy.
£20,973 – January 2026
We received a very special legacy from a lady in Storrington who had been a long-standing user of our service in the village.
This generous legacy enabled us to update another minibus, improving fleet efficiency and providing a more comfortable journey for our passengers.
These examples show how donations and legacies translate into the practical things needed to keep us operational — from MOTs and tyres to servicing and replacing our vehicles.
As an entirely volunteer-run organisation, 100% of the funds we receive go directly towards supporting our fleet and services. No costs are deducted from donations.
The continued generosity of our supporters helps us maintain our vehicles, keep our fares as affordable as possible and continue providing an essential service to rural West Sussex communities throughout the year.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses to support West Sussex Minibus, whether through a donation, a legacy, or simply by using and supporting our services.