Community transport operators get £25m for mini-buses as way to connect isolated areas

Community transport operators are struggling to buy new vehicles, research suggests

Community transport operators are struggling to buy new vehicles, research suggests

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin today announces £25m will be made available to provide hundreds of new mini-buses to community transport operators in rural and isolated areas.

He said the scheme would support voluntary organisations to provide "vital services for people in rural communities with limited transport choices". Organisations that already provide a service to a local community can bid for a mini-bus. Smaller operators and those in rural areas will be favoured.

Bill Freeman, chief executive of the Community Transport Association, said: "Our research shows that many organisations, particularly smaller ones, struggle to put aside money to replace vehicles. This money will enable them to continue to improve the lives of many isolated people by offering them accessible and affordable transport."