More than a bus: celebrating community in Broughton and Mottisfont

By Abi Shotter, Development Officer for England

Celebrating a New Chapter for Broughton and Mottisfont

There was a real sense of pride in the air on the 16th of October as residents, volunteers, local organisations, councillors and supporters gathered in Broughton to celebrate the launch of the Broughton and Mottisfont Community Bus Committee's new electric minibus and community EV charging points.

Held during Community Transport Week 2026, the event brought together many of the people who have helped shape, support and benefit from the service over the years. Among those in attendance were Caroline Nokes MP, representatives from Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council, Broughton and Mottisfont Parish Councils, volunteer drivers, passengers and organisations that regularly make use of the bus.

While the new electric vehicle and charging points provided the reason for celebration, the day quickly became something much bigger. It was a chance to recognise decades of community spirit and collaboration, and the people who continue to make it all possible.

More Than a Bus: Connecting People and Communities

Nobody captured that story better than Andrew, Hon Secretary and driver for 10 years, whose passion for the service has helped drive it forward. Reflecting on the community bus, he spoke not about vehicles or infrastructure, but about people.
For many passengers, the service is far more than a lift into town. It's about independence, confidence and staying connected to the community around them.

"For some people, our bus isn't simply transport. It's an opportunity to get out, meet people, have a conversation and feel part of the community. It allows people to get out and socialise, which is hugely important for mental health."

That sense of connection was reflected throughout the event. Passengers chatted with drivers, councillors met volunteers, and funders saw first hand the difference their support has made.

One passenger, Janet, has a particularly special connection to the service. Having driven for the community bus around 40 years ago and now travelling as a passenger herself, she has seen its impact from both sides. When asked what life would be like without the service, she highlighted exactly why community transport remains so important in rural communities, outlining the huge cost that taxis charge for journeys that she can make using the village bus.

"It is a vital service. We would really be stuck without it. We'd have to consider moving."

Her words served as a powerful reminder that community transport is often the difference between people remaining active and independent in their communities or becoming isolated from them.

Driving Towards a More Sustainable Future

The launch of the new electric minibus marks the next chapter in the community bus's story. It reflects not only a commitment to providing accessible transport, but also a determination to embrace a more sustainable future.

Caroline Nokes MP praised both the ambition behind the project and the volunteers who have worked so hard to make it happen.

"The Broughton and Mottisfont community bus is the most brilliant example of local villages coming together, establishing that there is a demand and a service that they can manage collaboratively."

She continued:

"They've got the vision here to invest in an electric bus. So they've gone zero emissions really quite early for a community bus project."

The Power of Partnership

Throughout the celebrations, we saw the reasons why this scheme is successful. Because volunteers gave up their time, local authorities listened, funders believed in the vision and drivers, passengers, councillors and community organisations worked together towards a common goal.

As Andrew reflected on the many partners involved, each brought their own expertise, resources and support, creating something that no single organisation could have achieved alone.

The attendance of leaders from Hampshire County Council, representatives from Test Valley Borough Council, local community groups and volunteer drivers demonstrated just how many people have played a part in the journey.

A Community Achievement Worth Celebrating

The launch event was not simply a celebration of a new bus or new charging points. It was a celebration of what is possible when a community comes together, identifies a need and works collectively to meet it.

Or, as Andrew put it, it is not really about buses or chargers at all, it's about people.