Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins prioritises the protection of community transport
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has said she intends to increase funding to protect community transport services.
Final decisions on the Department’s 2025-26 budget will be confirmed following consideration of the response to the equality consultation, but Minister Kimmins is clear on the need to protect this valuable transport service.
Minister Kimmins said: “I have met with representatives of the community transport sector, heard from users about the real impact these services can have on individuals, not just in our towns and cities but also on the roads less travelled.
“They improve access to goods and services, facilitate independence and vital connections and also they allow people to contribute to local communities and economies.
“The community transport service is a valuable life-line for many in local communities.
“Since becoming Minister, I have focused on ensuring that people are at the heart of everything we do and I will continue to put the resources in place to allow my department to deliver the quality of services that everyone deserves.
“I acknowledge that employment and other costs across the sector have risen significantly over the last couple of years.
“To mitigate against these increases and to protect these vital services, I intend to increase the level of funding available to the community transport operators, that will enable them to deliver these vital services in 2025/26.”
