The government has set up a fund worth more than £20 million to back innovative schemes aimed at improving bus services in rural areas. The funds will help tackle the social isolation of those living in rural areas.

The awards, made by the Rural Bus Challenge competition 2001, will provide 39 local authorities with funds to launch 58 rural transport schemes across England. This funding boost adds to the 155 awards funded in the first three Rural Bus Challenge competitions totalling £49million.

In addition to the Rural Bus Challenge scheme, the Government has provided funds for the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant which has seen some 1,800 new or enhanced services provided across England since its introduction in 1998.

An example of one of the winning shemes is an integrated package of public transport services for the Bissoe Valley (Cornwall), combining conventional services with innovative solutions. The scheme, awarded £469,000 by the Rural Bus Challenge competition 2001, provides:

• A bus with facilities for bicycles that link the main villages with Truro station and leisure facilities. This route will be integrated with taxi-bus service offering demand responsive links to local facilities.
• Upgrading the school contract vehicle with seatbelts that make it suitable for extra-curricular activities and for hiring to groups.

Transport Minister Sally Keeble announced Sally Keeble said: "From Cornwall to Cumbria these schemes tackle some of the deep-seated transport problems of rural areas. Decent transport links play an important role in improving people's lives. They help people get to hospitals and shops and get access to jobs and social events."