INVESTMENT in community transport was the topic of conversation when Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop came to the region last week.
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) hosted Ms Hyslop for a focussed discussion on the topic and its significant potential across the area.
TSDG is currently the chair of the Community Transport Strategic Development Group for Dumfries and Galloway.
Joining them were colleagues from Transport Scotland, SWestrans, South of Scotland Enterprise, Galloway Community Transport and Borders Community Action.
Highlights of the meeting included the need for coordinated and people-focussed models of transport, its investment potential, and the importance of transport to tackling inequity, isolation, for economic development and to the community.
Alan Webb, TSDG’s chief executive, said: “We have a great range of operators across Dumfries and Galloway working every day to respond to local needs, but our collective partnership has ambitions to do more, especially given the challenges facing our area. We look forward to continued discussion on that potential.
“Community transport, with the right investment and collaborative models, has so much impact and further potential in the building of thriving communities, developing local economies and simply helping people move around for social, work, learning and health purposes.”
Ms Hyslop welcomed the chance to hear about the plans and ambition to do more with community transport within the area, commenting: “These services are vital to communities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of local routes and services is a collaborative effort. By working with local authorities, the third sector and operators, this government is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to public transport, regardless of where they live.
“We want more people to choose to travel by public transport for work, study and leisure. But we know that people are facing a number of pressures and don’t always see public transport as affordable or accessible. By investing more than £2.6 billion this financial year, we will support our public transport system and help make it available, affordable and accessible for everyone.”
