Oxfordshire County Council recently announced a significant financial boost for community transportation initiatives across the region, with over £106,540 in grants awarded to nine organisations. These funds, ranging from £2,730 to £21,000, are intended to support operating costs, volunteer recruitment and training, and promotional activities.
Councillor Andrew Gant, the council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, highlighted the importance of these services by stating that the grants “will make a big difference to all nine organisations and help them to continue the fantastic work they are doing.”
Supporting Community Transportation
Community transport plays an essential role in areas with limited or no access to public transportation options. This not-for-profit voluntary sector bridges gaps by offering safe, flexible, and cost-effective transport services designed by and for local communities. These services span both rural and urban locations, providing critical support to those in need.
The sector includes a diverse range of offerings, such as car clubs, community minibuses, dial-a-ride programs, lift shares, taxi shares, and voluntary car schemes. These services accommodate various groups, from transporting elderly residents to shops, facilitating healthcare access for ill individuals, and ensuring schoolchildren and employees reach their destinations. Certain organisations even run local bus routes, further enhancing their role in community life by supporting groups and clubs.
Grant Recipients
The nine organisations receiving the grants will benefit over the next two years, supporting them in maintaining and expanding their operations. The recipients include:
- Volunteer Driver Service
- OurBus Bartons
- Vale Community Impact
- Cholsey Volunteers
- West Oxfordshire’s Volunteer Link-Up
- Didcot Volunteer Drivers
- Yarnton Care Committee
- Wallingford Volunteer Drivers
- Weston-on-the-Green Parish Council
OurBus Bartons: Leading Innovation in Community Transport
One of the standout recipients is OurBus Bartons, which was awarded £20,000 to enhance its services and promote the use of its new electric vehicles. These buses, funded through the National Lottery Community Fund, offer transportation from Middle Barton to surrounding towns and provide commuter services to Heyford Station and Steeple Aston, connecting to broader networks like Stagecoach services to Oxford and Banbury.
Richard Brown, Chair of Trustees for OurBus Bartons, shared his excitement about the grant, saying it will enable them to maximise the potential of their new electric buses. He noted, “We are one of the first community transport operators to use electric buses on timetabled services.” The service was recently recognised nationally, having won a UK Bus Award for their community-centric approach.
Brown further remarked on the enhanced passenger experience, adding, “The difference in the quality of the ride and the level of sound is appreciated by all our passengers.”
Encouraging Growth and Development
The council remains committed to fostering the development of community transport initiatives. In addition to these grants, they offer small start-up funding to help new services get off the ground, along with covering costs associated with training volunteers as minibus drivers and passenger assistants. This ongoing support underlines the critical role community transport plays in building strong, connected, and resilient communities across the region.
If you’re looking to explore local transport options, visit our Transport and Taxis Directory. For community members interested in contributing to local growth, you can submit a directory listing or even upload your local events here.
