Local Transport Minister visits operator to mark Community Transport Week
Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, has visited Westway community transport to mark Community Transport Week.
The Minister heard at the Westbourne Park-based operation how services step in to fill the gap where users might not be able to use conventional public transport or drive.
To support services, the government currently makes up to £3.8m available annually to community transport operators. As plans to hand back control of bus services to local authorities gather pace, the government is exploring how this initiative can incorporate the community transport sector. the government wants to offer scope for local authorities and community transport providers to work together to increase patronage and improve services under its plans to roll out bus franchising.
“We’re committed to improving our local networks, to make them more inclusive and enable vulnerable people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity” – Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood
Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: “Community transport services are a lifeline for so many people, which is why I was delighted to visit Westway today to celebrate the incredible work of operators up and down the country.
“We’re committed to improving our local networks, to make them more inclusive and enable vulnerable people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.
“Community transport plays a vital role in providing these services, so we are working to ensure they are part of the solution.”
At the visit, the Minister also spoke to Westway Deputy CEO, Ryan Price, about ways that the government can further support the great work of operators.
“We’re an essential part of the local transport mix – particularly for those who find public transport difficult to use” – Westway Community Transport CEO, Kathleen Lyons
Westway Community Transport CEO, Kathleen Lyons, said: “We were delighted to welcome Simon Lightwood MP to Westway Community Transport.
“It’s never been more important to showcase the work of Community Transport. We’re an essential part of the local transport mix – particularly for those who find public transport difficult to use – and a key component in any plan to tackle loneliness and social isolation.”
“Community Transport is vital to so many people across the UK, and this week we celebrate the range of community solutions to transport barriers across the country” – Community Transport Association CEO, Victoria Armstrong
Community Transport Association CEO, Victoria Armstrong, said: “CTA are delighted that the Local Transport Minister recognises the importance of CTWeek24 by visiting one of our members.
“Community Transport is vital to so many people across the UK, and this week we celebrate the range of community solutions to transport barriers across the country.
“I am pleased that the Minister was able to celebrate with us and to support what Community Transport is all about.”