BATHURST Community Transport's newest vehicle can look forward to thousands of trips between Bathurst and Orange - with every one of them a potential lifesaver.
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BCT last week took ownership of the Toyota Hi-Ace that will be its new "radiation bus", ferrying Bathurst cancer patients to Orange each day for their radiation treatment.
The bus will make the trip five days a week, 52 weeks a year - and has not missed a trip even during the current coronavirus crisis.
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BCT chief executive officer Kathryn Parnell said the bus had been fully funded by local donations, including $15,000 from major sponsor Reliance Bank.
"Without our bus some people couldn't get to Orange for their radiation treatment, which is why we are continuing at the moment with lots of precautions," Ms Parnell said.
"But it's absolutely essential we keep going because without the bus these people could not get their radiation treatment and the radiation treatment is lifesaving.
"We've worked really closely with Daffodil Cottage and Orange Health Service to make sure we're as safe as we can be."
BCT president Matthew Irvine said it was important to transport patients in comfort for their treatment.
"This service kicked off in 2012 and offers so much to people undergoing radiation treatment in Orange in terms of the low cost and timeliness of service, but the real success story of the bus is the camaraderie and peer support the patients and staff offer each other," Mr Irvine said.
"Towards the back end of last year the board decided to upgrade the vehicle and decided to go for something a little more comfortable to provide an environment that's pleasant to be in.
"It warranted a few more dollars for both the physical and mental wellbeing of the clients using the service."
Ms Parnell said clients using the radiation bus were among the most vulnerable to the coronavirus.
"We have to stay home and do the right thing so these people can be as safe as possible," she said.
Other Bathurst community organisations who helped fund the new bus include Bathurst Panthers, Bathurst RSL, Bathurst Spring Spectacular, The Great Walk Foundation, Quota, Bathurst Macquarie Lions Club, Bathurst Highland Society and the Bathurst Prostate Support Group.
