 | No need to re-invent the wheel
Rural transport partnership initiatives |
If you have concerns or ideas about transport issues in your area, the key message is - don't assume that the perceived problem has not or is not already being addressed! Initiatives for rural communities
 | | Gloucestershire's Rural Transport Partnership aims to improve country bus services |
The best 'first call' is the Gloucestershire Rural Transport Partnership, based within Gloucestershire County Council's environment department, which has an overview of all the current local transport initiatives for rural communities in the county. It is always keen to support new initiatives and has a lot of information and advice about existing and past schemes including: Helping fund research into the North Cotswolds Community Bus project, resulting in interesting findings which could help improve the service to local people. Paying for the preparation of a business plan and funding strategy for a Forest of Dean Dial-a-Ride scheme. Working with the local parish council and a voluntary group 'Women in Boots' in the village of Bisley. This paid for professional research into the feasibility of a new, safer, footpath route to encourage local people to leave their cars at home. Money to pay for the transport of carers from Stroud District to their support group in Gloucester . A grant to pilot a bus service for the Three Villages Little Green Bus between Cam, Coaley and Slimbridge in order to assess the real level of demand. Funding transport to bring members of the Chinese community living in rural areas into Gloucester for weekly social and cultural gatherings. Subsidising the cost of coaches to bring young people from the rural areas into Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre for a multi-arts performance.
Other transport initiatives in the county include: Jumpstart -Transport Brokerage
Each district council has a Transport Working Group. Details of the local groups can be passed on to interested parties. Developing the idea
The Gloucestershire Rural Transport Partnership has brought together the Countryside Agency, the County Council and the four rural district councils, the Rural Community Council, Gloucestershire Network and a wide range of other voluntary and private sector organisations. Making it happen
The partnership aims to enhance the quality of life for people living and working in rural Gloucestershire by improving their access to services, leisure activities and employment. It will work towards the long term fulfillment of people's transport needs and aims to give equality of opportunity. The purpose of the Gloucestershire Rural Transport Partnership is to address social exclusion in rural areas by developing additional transport facilities, which have been identified in an Action Plan. Key tips
Check first with the County Council's Environment Department about transport issues - it could be that your concerns are already being addressed. Every district council has a Transport Working Group which is worth contacting. Ensure all local organisations in your community are involved in the process - initiatives which might seem right for parents with young children may not always work for the elderly.
Funding sources
The following funding sources have been of particular use to this project. For more information on funding contact Gloucestershire County Council's Economic Development Unit on 01452 425702. Countryside Agency Parish Transport Grant Scheme
Offers grants of up to £10,000 to parish and town councils for projects tackling their local transport problems. An application form is available in the Agency's Vital Villages Action Pack.
Tel: 0870 3330170 (for Vital Villages information pack)
www.countryside.gov.uk
Gloucestershire Rural Transport Partnership
Grants of up to 75% of eligible project costs are available. Smaller grants of up to £2,500 are also available.
Tel: 01452 425761
See also: www.gloscc.gov.uk/pubserv/gcc/environ/rtp
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