News Release Page Title

3 August 2006

DRD RURAL TRANSPORT INITIATIVE WINS NATIONAL AWARD

The Department for Regional Development (DRD) has been awarded a National Transport Award.

The department received the award for the administration of the Rural Transport Fund (RTF).

Welcoming the news of the award, Transport Minister, David Cairns said: "This award reflects the hard work, commitment and vision of all the staff, volunteers, partners and members of the Rural Transport Fund.

"The Rural Transport Fund currently provides funding to 19 Community Transport Partnerships and to Translink. This award endorses the need for on-going work to ensure that transport needs for people with reduced mobility who live in rural areas are met."

The National Transport Awards recognise transport initiatives which provide improvements for transport users. The awards reward local authorities and organisations that have made a real difference within their communities.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Rural Transport Fund is administered by DRD and provides funding to 19 Community Transport Partnerships and to Translink. The prime objective of the Fund is to reduce social exclusion by improving/providing transport opportunities for people with reduced mobility in rural areas.

2. The current level of funding to provide rural community transport is £3.75million

3. The Department ensures that transport initiatives supported by the RTF demonstrate that they address some or all of the following

  • Target social need by improving access to training or employment opportunities by rural people;
  • Complement the work of other agencies involved in the development of rural communities;
  • Support a range of community based activities and have a broad base of community support;
  • Encourage volunteering activity

4. The National Transport Awards are awarded based on evidence of:

  • projects successfully put into practice;
  • innovation;
  • integration;
  • effective partnership working

5. Transport Minister, David Cairns, recently met with Community Transport representatives in Belfast to mark the two millionth rural passenger journey using community transport.

Media queries to: Michaela Smyth, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel 028 9054 0887, Email: michaela.smyth@drdni.gov.uk

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