The Rural Community Council For Kent and Medway
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Rural Transport
Despite an extensive network of bus services and 107 main line railway stations, transport and access to services is a real problem for many individuals and communities in rural Kent and Medway.
For people without private transport or no access to commercial public transport, then some form of Community Transport may be the answer.
Examples of community transport schemes include:
- Volunteer car schemes
- Community minibus schemes
- Taxi buses
- Wheels to Work schemes (Scooter loan)
- Taxi Vouchers
What Community Transport is Available in Kent and Medway?
To find out if there is a scheme operating in your area you can search our database of schemes in Kent and Medway. Click on the map or type in your postcode. This will bring up a list of all the schemes in your area. Please help us keep this information up to date by letting us know about any schemes not listed or changes to contact details, fares etc. Contact us on 01303 813790 or at info@ruralkent.org.uk.
However, there are many gaps in the provision of Community Transport in Kent. If you are a community group or a Parish or Town Council looking to set up a scheme we can assist you in selecting the most appropriate type for your needs, help you build the necessary partnerships and advise on sources of funding that will allow the development of a project. We can also provide information on licencing requirements.
There are currently small grants available for existing and new schemes under the Rural Access to Services Programme (RASP). Visit the page for more information on RASP and the grants available. The Rural Access to Services Programme is funded by SEEDA and Kent County Council, in partnership with Action with Communities in Rural Kent, Medway Council, Church in Society and Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone Borough Councils, representing Kent District Councils.
Cycling
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative mode of transport that can ease both congestion and pollution and promote health and well being. This is being encouraged in various ways with green travel plans for companies large and small - and supported with funding is some areas - for example - Cycle to Work scheme.
For cycling activities in Kent why not visit Go Cycle Kent
Worth a mention is the annual Bike Week and its associated events that individuals or groups can sign up to. Details of this year's events and lots of useful information is on their website - Bike Week
Community Rail
We host the Kent Community Rail Partnership and work closely with our colleagues in the Sussex Community Rail Partnership. For more information about Community Rail go to our Community Rail page.