MP urges community groups to bid for £25 million rural transport funding

South Lakes MP Tim Farron is urging community transport organisations across Cumbria to apply to a new £25 million fund to provide them with new minibuses.

This £25 million fund supports the community transport sector in providing vital services to communities which may not be serviced by a commercial bus service.

The Department for Transport has now published the criteria to bid which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-transport-minibus-fund

Tim said: "Rural transport is a lifeline for many communities throughout our county. I'm urging local community groups to apply for this funding which potentially could make a massive difference for our area."

Community groups have until 15 January 2015 to apply for funding, with early bids being welcomed.

Smaller operators and those who help out in rural areas will be favoured in the scheme. Each bidder will need to undertake that the vehicle will be used only for voluntary services and will not be used to compete for bus service contracts.