How Welsh Government Could Fix Community Transport Funding
Transport is fundamental infrastructure for our lives, both individually and collectively. We believe that everyone should have access to transport that meets their needs; to enable them to access work and education, to socialise and connect with the people and places they love, to stay healthy and well, to care for others and receive care in turn.
To this end, CTA Cymru have worked with colleagues from the Welsh Government, ATCO, Transport for Wales, and the CTA member network, to identify and propose a pathway for the Welsh Government to more efficiently and effectively invest in the sustainable development of the Community Transport movement. We are grateful for the support of the outgoing Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates MS, in enabling this work in readiness for the 7th Senedd.
By streamlining and refocusing on investing positively and proactively in Community Transport, the Welsh Government has the opportunity to directly influence the development of community-led infrastructure which is particularly important for people living in rural Wales, as well as those of us with additional support needs. This protects the value already created by the Welsh CT movement, and creates a stronger foundation for growth, improved mobility, equity, and the transition to net zero, while simultaneously bringing the sector into closer alignment and integration with the mainstream transport network.
By actioning the coproduced proposal attached here, Mark Hooper and the Welsh Government have a significant opportunity to tackle a number of key policy priorities and ensure no-one is left behind as we transition to the franchised network of the future, putting people before profit in very real and tangible ways. By working in partnership to deliver these improvements, we can protect the investment already made, develop vital community infrastructure, and create pathways to sustainability for new and existing Community Transport organisations that set them up to contribute to the growing economy, deliver vital and value for money services, and continue to empower people and communities through inclusive shared mobility.
For more information, please see the proposal and recommendations paper here, or contact gemma@ctauk.org.