Healthy and Active Expands Community Bus Service to Three Days a Week

Local charity Healthy and Active in East Kilbride has announced a welcome expansion to its much-valued Community Bus Service, which will now operate three days a week beginning the week of Monday 7th July 2025. The service will run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, offering door-to-door transport for local residents.

The Community Bus picks up passengers directly from their homes and takes them to local destinations including East Kilbride Town Centre and Kingsgate Retail Park, with return trips included. The charity also offers occasional outings to garden centres, larger shopping outlets, and other social destinations—designed to keep residents engaged, active, and connected.

Booking and Access

To book a seat on the Community Bus, call 01355 571300 on a Friday and speak with Aaliyah, or email Aaliyah@healthyandactive.org.uk. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.

Mobility Scooter Hire Service

In addition to transport, Healthy and Active operates a Mobility Scooter Hire Service in the town centre. This vital service allows residents with mobility challenges to hire scooters for local shopping, socialising, and essential errands.

• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 11:00am
• Closed: Mondays

The service is run with the support of volunteers, yet it remains closed on Mondays—something that has sparked frustration among users. Many residents have questioned the rationale, especially when the charity relies on volunteer staffing and has indicated that opening an extra day would require “additional funding.”

Some community members have pointed out that the current model appears sustainable enough to operate six days a week, particularly given the demand and no staffing cost. The Monday closure has caused concern for those who rely on mobility scooters to attend medical appointments, access pharmacies, or do their weekly shopping.

With so many depending on the service, calls are growing for greater clarity on funding arrangements and the possibility of expanding access.

More Than Just Transport

Healthy and Active’s wider services are centred around their vibrant Community Hub, where residents can take part in:

• Affordable meals and refreshments at the Community Café
• A second-hand book stall promoting reuse and literacy
• Weekly arts and crafts classes that support mental wellbeing and social connection
• Informal drop-in sessions, peer groups, and tailored activities for older adults, disabled residents, carers and isolated individuals

Supporting Local Lives

The charity is supported through grants, public sector funding, charitable donations and local fundraising, with key backing from South Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire, and community partners. Their work plays a vital role in reducing isolation, promoting independence, and improving quality of life for hundreds of people across East Kilbride.

The expansion of the Community Bus and the continued success of the Mobility Scooter Hire service are just two examples of how Healthy and Active connects local people to the resources they need—but community feedback suggests more could still be done with better transparency and resource allocation.

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