SPT has allocated almost £1.25 million to support 19 key Community Transport (CT) projects across Strathclyde.

SPT chair of the Operations Committee, Councillor David Wilson, said:

“SPT recognises the vital contribution Community Transport operators deliver to local communities and voluntary groups, particularly the elderly, disabled and those on low incomes.

“These much-needed transport services are designed to promote and support the delivery of high quality, reliable and accessible transport to communities across the SPT area. Without Community Transport, it would be much more challenging for the disadvantaged and more vulnerable groups to access goods, services, and facilities within their local communities.”

Community transport plays a key role in ensuring communities in many areas, where there is limited access to public transport, remain connected. It means groups who might otherwise have no way of travelling can improve their quality of life by reducing loneliness and increasing their social interaction helping to promote their own wellbeing.

Many of the projects funded ensure transport for those with special needs and kids’ clubs, community bus services for the elderly and for those with mobility issues who find it difficult to access public transport. They also provide transport for patients to meet hospital / hospice and out-patient appointments.

The funding from SPT will support general CT running costs, including driver costs, volunteer expenses, staff salaries, training costs, vehicle insurance, vehicle maintenance and fuel.  Without such support the ability of the sector to deliver CT services to local communities would be limited.

Among those receiving grant funding is Community Transport Glasgow (CTG), awarded more than £447,000, to support their core transport activities including special needs club transport, children’s Playscheme transport, as well as transport for the elderly and other vulnerable groups. Full funding for club and Playscheme transport is provided from Glasgow City Council to SPT which we arrange on behalf of a number of community transport operators.

The North Area Transport Trust (NATA) has been awarded more than £139,000 to support their core transport activities and specific services including local bus services; special needs club transport and children’s Playscheme transport.

More than £112,000 was awarded to South Ayrshire Community Transport (SACT) which provides accessible, affordable transport for socially or economically disadvantaged groups, voluntary groups and third sector organisations in South Ayrshire.

Up to £85,000 was awarded to Coalfield Community Transport (CCT), while South West Community Transport (SWCT) was awarded £94,000 to support its community transport activities.

Larkhall District Volunteer Group (LDVG) has been awarded more than £62,000 to provide services to various community groups and an access to education service for the children of the travelling community. The group also supports a volunteer car scheme for those who need to access medical appointments.

In addition:

Getting Better Together (GBT) awarded £40,000 to support GBT’s core activities to provide accessible, affordable transport for socially or economically disadvantaged groups, voluntary groups and third sector organisations in North Lanarkshire.

Community Central Halls (CCH) operates transport services within the most deprived communities of northwest Glasgow. It has been awarded £30,000 to continue to provide transport services for all ages, abilities, and ethnicities in this area.

Ardgowan Hospice receives almost £31,000 to support for the organisation’s volunteer car scheme, which provides transport to hospitals in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area for cancer treatment and out-patient hospice attendances, for residents in the Inverclyde area. The funding will be used to support vehicle running costs (fuel, insurance, maintenance etc.) and volunteer expenses.

The Blantyre Volunteer Group (BVG) receives up to £28,000 to support the organisation’s provision of safe, accessible community transport services for groups and individuals. The funding will assist with the running costs of their vehicles and volunteers so that they can continue to provide group transport to the local community of Blantyre and the surrounding area.

Glenboig Development Trust (GDT) has received £25,000 to provide transport services to a wide variety of groups such as nurseries, social work, children and youth groups, elderly and disabled. The Trust also operates shopping trips from villages in the Glenboig area of North Lanarkshire for local residents who have limited access to public transport. 

Community Transport East Renfrewshire (CTER) receives £25,000 for a volunteer car scheme which provides transport of patients to GP, clinic, and hospital appointments, principally in the East Renfrewshire Council area.

Port Glasgow Voluntary Trans-Port Group (PGVTG) received almost £21,000 to support CT activities. PGVTG provides accessible, affordable transport for socially or economically disadvantaged groups, voluntary groups and third sector organisations in the Inverclyde area.

The East Kilbride Community Transport (EKCT) has received £16,000 to support the organisation’s provision of safe, accessible community transport services for groups and individuals, in East Kilbride and in other parts of South Lanarkshire.

Renfrewshire Council SOOPiR Bus receives £9,000 to support the Strengthening Opportunities for Older Adults in Renfrewshire (SOOPiR) bus project. This project provides transport for older people and community groups in Renfrewshire to access activities that will improve the lives of socially isolated people who are unable to use public transport due to their limited mobility.