Following the recent Transport Needs Survey, Faversham Town Council is delighted to confirm its application to the Kent County Council Community Transport Grant scheme has been successful. We will receive £59,295 to support the implementation of a Faversham Community Bus scheme.
Cllr Eddie Thomas, Chair of the Town Council’s Active Travel Committee said “I am very pleased that Faversham Town Council can now begin to formulate a community bus service that many local people told us that they need, particularly in this time of a cost of living crisis, so that they can go shopping and visit essential services, such as doctors and dentists, without having to own nor drive a car.”
The community bus service will provide affordable, safe and accessible transport for residents living in Faversham and surrounding areas, whose needs are not currently met by other public transport. It is also hoped the service will reduce the number of short journeys around Faversham, undertaken by car users, by providing a reliable and convenient alternative solution. In order to be sustainable, the bus will be a paid for service, although concessionary bus passes will be accepted.
Cllr Julian Saunders, Vice-Chair of the Town Council’s Active Travel Committee said “It’s exciting news that the Town Council has been successful in attracting funding for a community bus service. There is clearly a need for it, as many residents don’t have easy access to regular bus services any more. We will be looking for volunteers and partner community organisations to work with us in order to make this initiative a success.”
We will continue to engage with residents to ensure the routes are those most needed to reach vital services and will be inviting input over the next few months.
If you would like any further information please contact the Town Clerk, Louise Bareham on 01795 503286 or email louise.bareham@favershamtowncouncil.gov.uk
