Local High Streets benefit from community transport

Devon’s economy benefited from more than £2 million of spending from community transport users last year, according to a new study.

A survey carried out by the Community Transport Associations in Devon asked over 5,500 people who use Ring & Ride and Shopmobility services how much they had spent on their shopping trips in November.

The anonymous responses of those who took part revealed that they spent just over £146,000 during November. Based on those figures the survey estimates they spent £2.08 million in Devon high streets during 2012.

It means for every pound invested by Devon County Council on community transport, over £7 is spent in the local economy.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “Supporting our local businesses is vital in the current economic climate, and through our funding of community transport Devon County Council is helping local people to access local shops and services. Community transport schemes, such as Ring & Ride and Shopmobility, are vital in connecting people in rural and smaller communities to local market and coastal towns. It can really make a difference to the quality of life for many people, while also maintaining important trade for local town centres.”

Every year more than 34,500 passengers use Ring & Ride buses and more than 10,000 access Shopmobility services.

To find out more about community transport in Devon, or if you would like to use the services or support the schemes, visit the Transport for Your Community website, www.tfyc.org.uk or call 01392 382123.

The attached video shows how community transport benefits Ring & Ride passenger Brenda Howarth, from Mid Devon or click here.