£100,000 is being invested in improving life-line community transport services run by charities and volunteer groups in Leicestershire.
A number of Community Transport providers in the county have been awarded a share of funds to help improve their vehicles, which include minibuses.
Community transport enables elderly, vulnerable and disabled residents and those living in rurally isolated communities to access activities from medical appointments to shopping trips.
Leicestershire County Council has set aside the government cash which can be used for a range of improvements from the repair and replacement of vehicles, to funding on-board accessible and safety equipment.
Cllr Adam Tilbury, lead member for highways and transport, said: “It’s great that we can send grant funding directly into communities.
“We recognise that community transport is a lifeline for many. It not only enables people to access essential services such as shops and medical appointments, but it helps keep people connected and supports their independence.”
The Commbus Project provides a community minibus service in Blaby District, serving older people, those with mobility issues, or anyone who has difficulty in accessing public transport.
It provides a daily morning shopping service, social club transport, and trips to shopping or leisure destinations around the region.
Stephen Webb, director of The Commbus Project said: “Everyone who works for Commbus is a volunteer, and our vehicles are wheelchair accessible.”
“Commbus is supported by Leicestershire County Council, and the Fleet Investment Grant recently received is very much appreciated and will help us keep our vehicles up to date and safe to use."
The money for improvements has come from the Local Authority Bus grant funding. Keep up to date with the latest information about Leicestershire Buses on the Choose How You Move Website.