Transport

The need for transport is an inevitable consequence of living in rural areas if people are to access a range of services located further afield. The evidence shows that the amount of car use in rural areas and the rest of the country is unsustainable and must fall. To minimise carbon emissions we must limit the need to travel wherever possible, reduce car-reliant travel and improve public and community transport schemes that provide services that match communities needs.

Transport and access to services are key issues for many individuals and communities in rural areas. It is widely perceived as one of the greatest threats facing rural inhabitants.

However, the Rural Community Action Network employs specialists working for RCAN members and run a great many local schemes in communities across the country. Examples of community transport schemes include:

People at a wooden bus shelter

Education and training
Volunteer car schemes
Community minibus schemes
Taxi buses
Wheels to Work schemes
Community Rail Partnerships

ACRE supports the development of a range of transport solutions including community-led activity that leads to affordable initiatives delivered by the private and public and community sectors. There are a number of tested solutions across different forms of transport, buses, car-based, taxis, rail and integrated or mixed transport.

ACRE's Policy Position Paper: Transport

ACRE has complied a number of Policy Position Papers reflecting the issues of importance to rural communities and how our members in RCAN respond to them. The text below summarises part of ACRE's Rural Transport Policy Position Paper.

Rural communities need affordable transport solutions that deliver services to places and at times communities need. These solutions are best when they are developed by the community, often in partnership with a range of providers.

For more information, please contact Martin Hawkins, Rural Services Officer.

ACRE is a signatory to a letter to the Prime Minister, David Cameron opposing national bus cuts. The letter, supported by many diverse national organisations, is part of the Save our Buses Campaign, co-ordinated by the Campaign for Better Transport. See News for more information.