At a recent Stakeholders' Day held at Metro's Leeds HQ, representatives from 50 organisations across West Yorkshire heard how they could access up to £500,000 of funding for rural transport and accessibility projects.

Managed by Metro on behalf of Yorkshire Forward, the West Yorkshire Rural Accessibility Programme aims to improve access to employment and training by improving rural transport links through two funding streams between 2009 and 2012.

Improve access

Schemes such as enhanced local bus services, car clubs and community transport will be funded by the West Yorkshire Rural Transport Delegated Fund while the Rural Access to Services Delegated Fund is targeted at rural Leeds and Wakefield, and aims to improve access to key employment and training services in these areas.

The programme follows on from the successful Rural Transport Programme, which Metro also managed on behalf of Yorkshire Forward.

New and innovative ideas

"Metro helped improve rural transport for a range of successful projects in the previous programme, and is delighted to be part of the Rural Accessibility Programme," said Metro Chairman Cllr Ryk Downes. "The diverse range of projects funded included Keighley Dial-and-Ride, a new vehicle for the Meltham Minibus and the Heptonstall 42 Bridleway improvements.

"I look forward to seeing the range of new and innovative ideas for connecting isolated, rural areas with training and employment opportunities as they come through in the next three years."

Positive impact

Andy Tordoff, Assistant Director of Environment at Yorkshire Forward (Rural Renaissance) commented; "Linking rural communities with employment and education opportunities is vital and the Rural Accessibility Programme funds targeted transport schemes which will have a positive impact on people's lives and the rural economy."

Any organisation interested in finding out more information on the programme and the funding streams should email Metro's Rural Accessibility Adviser, Peter Coello or call him on 0113 251 7416.