Community transport grant

You can apply for a community transport grant to:

• buy a vehicle or other equipment to support a community transport scheme (for example computer equipment, ticket machines, parking facilities)
• cover the initial costs involved in setting up a community transport scheme (for example staffing costs for the first year - providing the plan shows how the costs will be covered in subsequent years).

Community groups, parishes or town councils can apply for a community transport grant to either set up a new scheme or support an existing one.

We will also consider applications from organisations or transport providers who are working in partnership with community groups, parishes, town councils or transport providers, as long as the application is community-led.

We will assess your application in 2 stages.

Firstly, you will need to demonstrate that your application meets our essential criteria. If any of the essential criteria are not met, your application will not be successful.

Essential criteria

The scheme must:

• address an identified transport need within the local community.
• not compete with or undermine an existing transport service.
• be fully accessible for all users including disabled passengers.

The application must include:

• a mobilisation plan which details how it can be delivered in 2023.
• some form of match contribution – such as a guarantee of financial or other contribution (for example securing volunteer drivers or equipment).
• a plan that explains how the scheme will be sustainable both immediately after the financial support is provided and longer term.

Other considerations

If your application meets the criteria, we will consider:

• what transport is already available locally and how the scheme may help to address any gaps
• what benefit the scheme will bring to the community
• who will benefit from the scheme
• whether the scheme is new or whether it improves an existing scheme
• whether the plan demonstrates how the scheme can be delivered after the first year.

Applications closed on 12 February 2023.

If you have any questions about your application, email jean.molloy@kent.gov.uk.

Your bid will be assessed against how well it meets the essential criteria.

We will let you know if your bid has been successful in time to make your grant award payment by the end of March 2023.