Do you live in a rural area of West Yorkshire?
(Not sure? Check our map of West Yorkshire - pdf 1mb)
Do you find it difficult to access employment or training?
Do you know of a project that requires funding?
Funding opportunities
Metro is working in partnership with Yorkshire Forward on its Rural Access to Opportunities Programme within West Yorkshire. The programme aims to improve access to employment and training opportunities in rural areas.
West Yorkshire Rural Accessibility Partnership
Until 31 March 2012 Metro is responsible for administering up to £500,000 of funding for rural transport and accessibility projects.
Types of funding available
- Grants of up to £10,000
- Capital and revenue grants available
- Grants can be used to meet up to 75% of the total project cost (for further details please request guidelines; some match funding is required).
- Projects must demonstrate sustainability.
Funding is split into two types:
- Transport delegated fund
This fund will support projects which improve transport to employment or training. Rural transport delegated fund application form (Word, 272k)
Guidance notes for rural transport delegated fund (pdf, 317k)
Example 1: Mytholmroyd Car Club extension
Hour Car has grown throughout each of its four years of operation and now has 55 members from throughout the Upper Calder Valley. It has a fleet of five vehicles in regular use. Its committee considered that now was a suitable time to expand out of Hebden Bridge and station a car in Mytholmroyd. The grant was used to acquire and fit out a secure parking space in Mytholmroyd. The space, which was donated by St Michael’s Church, is marked for use by Hour Car only and a key safe / booking system has been provided. The key is the same as the one in Hebden Bridge making both accessible to all members.
Amount awarded from Delegated Fund - £1,378.28
Source of Match Funding - Hour Car
Example 2: SE Wakefield Community Transport Project
This project provided affordable, accessible transport in the villages and towns in the south east of Wakefield District, specifically in ex-mining communities on the rural coalfield.
Amount awarded from Delegated Fund - £5,000
Source of Match Funding - Wakefield Council (Highways Budget and Local Area Agreement).
- Access to Services Delegated Fund
This fund will provide grants for projects to improve access to employment and training in rural Leeds and Wakefield. Whilst the fund will not directly provide transport services, it can support projects which provide assistance to help people get to work. This may include providing support and advice on employment and training opportunities, childcare, money/debt issues and other barriers which may restrict people entering or re-entering the active workforce. Rural access to services fund application form (Word, 405k)
Guidance notes for rural access to services fund (pdf, 442k)
Example 1: Bingley Mos Bus Information Vehicle Project
Bingley Voluntary Action applied for funding to update and better utilise their existing mobile outreach unit, known as the Mos Bus.
Total cost of project 2007/8 - £16,028.80
Source of Match Funding - Bingley Voluntary Action.
Example 2: Otley Trailer Project
The project has involved the purchase of a 16-foot trailer, which has been equipped as a mobile information point. A generator has been purchased to provide power and lighting on board the trailer.
Total cost of project 2007/8 - £16,309.17
Source of Match Funding - Otley Town Partnership.
