New £1M fund for community transport in Scotland

A new £1 million community minibus fund has been announced by Transport Minister Keith Brown.

The one-off fund for this financial year will help community transport operators buy new vehicles to expand their services or replace older vehicles.

Mr Brown said: "One of the main difficulties for community transport providers is funding for new minibuses, so I’m delighted to announce this new fund.

"I recognise that help is needed in the short term and this will provide much-needed financial assistance to operators who, as part of the Third Sector, run vital services for remote communities and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. It will also help mitigate the impact of welfare reform."

"This is a one-off fund for now, but I expect it to provide valuable insights into the sector’s needs which we can use to develop future support as finances permit.

"The Scottish Government is committed to making sure communities across Scotland receive the services and support they need and this announcement reaffirms that commitment."

The fund will be jointly administered by the Community Transport Association (CTA) and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

Mr John MacDonald, the CTA’s Director for Scotland, said: "This is great news for community transport operators as funding of vehicles is one of their biggest concerns.

"The Scottish Government’s investment will enable voluntary and community organisations throughout Scotland to sustain and grow their vital services for people who cannot access mainstream transport services.

"This initiative was one of the main recommendations from the Scottish Parliament’s Inquiry into Community Transport and we are delighted that the Government has responded in such a positive manner."

John Downie, Director of Public Affairs at the SCVO, said: "This is excellent news for more than 100,000 people right across Scotland for whom community transport is a vital lifeline which helps them to attend important medical appointments and keep playing an active role in their communities.

"It will help more people to live independently in their own homes for longer and counteract some of negative impact of welfare reforms, particularly on disabled people.

"We’re looking forward to seeing this funding be invested in Scotland’s community transport fleet and the big difference it will make to the lives of older people, people with disabilities and people living in rural areas who don’t have access to a car or public transport."