To ask the Minister for Regional Development to outline how community transport will be supported in the Accessible Transport Strategy.

I recognise that for many within our rural communities, community transport is an essential part of the transport chain allowing people to access essential services and remain independent. The work being undertaken by the community transport sector is important and positively impacts on the well being of some of the most vulnerable and isolated in society.

That is why I sought and secured additional funding of £600,000 in the November Monitoring Round for these services to facilitate more trips for those who use community transport services. I have also worked closely with others within Government to deliver £800,000 of grant to assist with lease buy outs for vehicles thereby reducing ongoing running costs.

There were over 200 responses to the public consultation on a new Accessible Transport Strategy. Community transport services and how they provide an affordable travel option especially within rural areas was raised by a number of individuals and organisations who responded to the public consultation. This is consistent with feedback from pre consultation engagement on a new Accessible Transport Strategy which identified community transport as important and necessary in preventing social exclusion and isolation in rural areas.

The responses to the recent public consultation on a new Accessible Transport Strategy are presently being considered and will be used to inform what areas the Strategy needs to address and how it will be delivered.