Community minibus for hire
Minibuses available for hire
Council has 3 minibuses available for local community organisations to hire for activities and programs that directly benefit Merri-bek residents.
Buses are available for day, evening and weekend bookings.
One bus includes a wheelchair hoist.
Who can hire a minibus?
To be eligible to hire a community minibus, an organisation must:
- be an incorporated, not-for-profit organisation operating in Merri-bek
- be registered as a bus operator with Transport Safety Victoria
- nominate a driver with a full licence who is over 21 years of age, and
- have its own public liability insurance policy.
The buses are allocated to eligible organisations according to the needs of priority groups, including frail older people, people with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and young people.
Council does not provide buses for personal use or for social and recreational activities for private parties or individuals.
Council reserves the right to refuse any group that does not meet or adhere to the guidelines and conditions of use.
Conditions of use
When you hire a community minibus, you can only use it within the Melbourne metropolitan area.
You are responsible for hire and fuel costs, and need to return the bus to Council on time, with a full tank of fuel and cleaned.
Council is committed to ensuring the safety of the community and requires all bus operators to be registered and to operate a bus service subject to conditions under the Bus Safety Act 2009 and Bus Safety Regulations 2010. All groups must be registered with Transport Safety Victoria prior to using a community bus. The Transport Safety Victoria website has more information on the safety obligations of registered bus operators and how to apply.
Minibus hire fees
Community minibuses are available for hire, subject to availability, on a daily basis. There are no discounts and fees include GST.
| Hire time | Fee |
| Up to 4 hours | $41.50 |
| Up to 8 hours | $67.40 |
| More than 8 hours | $98.25 |
Further charges may apply if a bus is returned dirty, late or without fuel, and for late cancellation or failing to pick up the bus.
How to hire a minibus
You can check whether a minibus is available and make a booking request online.
8-seater bus, with hoist
This bus can hold 8 people, including the driver. This vehicle is fitted with a hoist to transport a person in a wheelchair.
Find out when this community bus is available and make a booking request.
12-seater bus
This bus can hold 12 people, including the driver.
Find out when this community bus is available and make a booking request.
12-seater bus
The bus can hold 12 people, including the driver.
Find out when this community bus is available and make a booking request.
Council requires copies of the group's public liability insurance, the bus operator registration certificate and a copy of the driver's drivers licence to confirm your booking. The hire fees must be paid for your booking.
Making a booking request online
- After making a tentative online booking request, you are emailed an automated booking request number.
- Council will then contact you to discuss your booking request.
- Once Council accepts your booking, you need to complete and return the Community Bus Agreement (DOC 156Kb)
(DOC 156Kb) - The hire fees must also be paid for your booking.
- Council confirms your booking in writing.
Making a booking request by phone or email
- Call Council on 9240 1111 or email Recreation Services. We'll discuss your booking request with you.
- Once Council accepts your booking, you need to complete and return the Community Bus Agreement (DOC 156Kb)
- Hire fees must also be paid for your booking.
For more information email Recreation Services.