Rural Services - Transport

Transport and access to services is a key issue for many individuals and communities in rural communitites. It is widely perceived as one of the greatest threats facing rural inhabitants. However, the Rural Community Action Network employ specialists and run a great many local schemes in communities across the country. Examples of community transport schemes include:

• Volunteer car schemes
• Community minibus schemes
• Taxi buses
• Wheels to Work schemes
• Community Rail Partnerships

Volunteer car schemes
A Voluntary Car / Good Neighbour Scheme is part of a "safety net" of care and support provided by members of a local community to the people who live in their area. The scheme is normally managed by a committee, made up of volunteers. In some cases day to day administration may be given to a paid co-ordinator. The service or services are all provided by volunteers from the local community.

Wheels to Work schemes
Lack of transport can be a major barrier to people living in rural areas. Young people especially can be faced with the situation where without a job they cannot afford to buy a vehicle and without a vehicle of their own they cannot travel to work. This group especially benefits from Wheels to Work schemes run by Rural Community Councils across the country.

• Wheels to Work is about more than simply providing transport. It can encourage and help those most in need make choices about their future, and improve their employability and skills base.

Community Rail Partnerships
Community rail partnerships are a link between the railway and local communities. They aim to bring about  positive development in a local area along the path of the railway. The Partnerships aim to increase local use of rail, improve local services and bring about better station facilities. The work of the Partnerships emphasizes the railway and its relevance to the community through improving bus links to stations, developing walking and cycling routes and bringing station buildings back to life. Many Community Rail Partnerships have provided facilities for art and education projects in old station buildings and increased facilities and accessibility for those in need.