Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced that hundreds of community groups from across the country will receive additional support. £25 million will be made available to provide hundreds of new minibuses to community transport operators in rural and isolated areas.
The new fund means that organisations who already provide a service to the local community can bid for a minibus. Smaller operators and those who help out in rural areas will be favoured in the scheme.
Patrick McLoughlin said: “As a rural MP I know how important community bus providers are and how much they matter. These groups help keep rural communities alive and independent.”
Bill Freeman, Chief Executive of the Community Transport Association, said: “Our own research shows that many organisations, particularly smaller ones serving their immediate neighbourhoods, struggle to put aside money to replace vehicles.
“This will enable them to continue to improve the lives of many vulnerable and isolated people by offering them accessible and affordable transport.”
The fund is focused on existing voluntary and third sector organisations that already have a permit to run not-for-profit services of benefit to the local community.
Each bidder can apply for one vehicle and will need to undertake that the vehicle will be used only for voluntary services and will not be used to compete for bus service contracts.
This new scheme sits alongside the government’s strong commitment to commercial bus operators, which is a growing industry. Full details of how the scheme will operate and the information charities will need when applying will be set out shortly.
