Four Oxfordshire organisations are set to benefit from £64,572 in grants to strengthen community transport services across the county. The funding, provided by Oxfordshire County Council, will support new routes, cover vehicle running costs, and pay for drivers’ expenses.
The grants, ranging from £500 to £36,000, will be distributed over periods of one to five years to help sustain the initiatives. Beneficiaries include Daybreak Oxford, Thame Senior Friendship Centre, Filkins & Broughton Poggs’ volunteer doctor and hospital car service, and Wallingford Town Council.
Daybreak Oxford, which supports people with dementia and older residents through day centre transport and shopping trips, has been awarded £25,072 to expand provision in underserved areas of the city. Meanwhile, Wallingford Town Council, working in partnership with Going Forward Buses, has already launched the 131 town bus service, which went live on 01 September.
Community transport plays a vital role in filling gaps where public transport is limited or unavailable, particularly in rural areas. Services range from voluntary car schemes, dial-a-ride, and car clubs to local bus routes, often enabling people with mobility issues, children, or those without access to cars to reach essential services.
The latest round of funding follows a 2024 award that helped Villager Community Bus Services purchase a new electric minibus. The vehicle now runs the Chippy Shuttle, a weekday service linking Chipping Norton residents with shops, services, and the health centre.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management at Oxfordshire County Council, said:
“Oxfordshire’s community transport sector is a lifeline to many people who don’t drive or don’t have a car. The grants will make a big difference to all four organisations and help them to continue the great work they are doing. We are extremely grateful for all the work they and other community transport groups do to make life easier for residents.”
Chairman Keith Gowing said the switch from diesel to battery power reduced costs, emissions, and noise, adding:
“We could not have afforded this without the help of Oxfordshire County Council.”
The council continues to support not-for-profit transport groups with start-up grants and training for volunteer drivers and passenger assistants. More details are available on the council’s website.
