Community transport groups share £1m fund

Transport Minister, Keith Brown, has named the successful applicants who will share a one-off funding pot of £1million for community transport.

A total of 29 community transport organisations will receive funding to replace existing vehicles or expand services.

The Community Transport Vehicle Fund was announced  in November following increased political interest in the issue of community transport as a result of Age Scotland's Still Waiting campaign. 130 applications for funding totalling £4.1million were received.

Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: "This funding will be great news for the 29 successful applicants.  It should make a significant difference to the transport services they are able to provide to older people who would otherwise be cut-off from services and the community.

"While this is a good start, the oversubscription of the grant pot suggests a high volume of unmet need across Scotland.  A one-off funding boost, however welcome, won't be enough to ensure community transport is available and sufficient to meet current and future demand, which we can expect to increase as our population ages.  A long term strategy, backed by increased and more sustainable funding, is necessary to ensure the lives of older people who are unable to access suitable public transport aren't blighted by loneliness, and by the negative health impacts associated with it."