Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced £600,000 additional funding to help Community Transport operators provide essential transport to the most vulnerable members of our community.
Disability Action Transport will receive £200,000 extra funding with the remaining £400,000 for the 11 Rural Community Transport partnerships.
The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Down Community Transport today and said: “I recognise the invaluable work these organisations do in providing transport connections for the most vulnerable and isolated sectors of our community. This additional funding will help to allow more trips to be delivered throughout Northern Ireland particularly in rural areas.
“The level of support provided by my department will now total nearly £5.5million this year.
“Community Transport is focused on the elderly, the disabled and those living in rurally isolated areas. It is an essential way of allowing individuals to overcome barriers to social interaction and to access essential services.
“The additional £2million I successfully bid for to maintain Concessionary Fares travel further demonstrates my commitment and that of the Executive to support the elderly and other vulnerable groups.”
The additional funding will be distributed in proportion to reductions in budget imposed at the start of the year due to budget restrictions and will enable services for the last part of this financial year to at least match those available last year.
