Efforts to improve community transport

Efforts are being made to improve community transport across Perth and Kinross.

There are more than 30 community transport car and minibus schemes across the area, which can not only tackle the lack of public transport in some areas, but can also give isolated people a chance to interact with others.

These services can also drive people to and from health appointments, which can allow them to live independently for longer, and result in fewer missed appointments.

Over the past few years, four separate groups have received a share of £50,000 of community grant funding from Perth and Kinross Council to run these transport schemes.

With the funding, Tay Valley Timebank in Aberfeldy was able to employ a development officer to create and manage a car scheme and establish a pool of volunteer drivers.

The car scheme aims to provide transport to areas not currently served by public transport, and the officer is able to respond to transport queries from local residents.

Meanwhile the Auchterarder Community Bus Group was able to launch a community-led town bus service in August last year.

The project adds to the transport provision in Auchterarder, and it is hoped it will alleviate parking problems in the town centre.

Elder Voice in Blairgowrie was able to use the money to create a befriending service, and transport people to and from local events and hospital appointments.

And The Madoch Centre in St Madoes was able to purchase a people carrier to drive residents to and from events at the community centre.