£100k Funding Available for Rural Transport Projects in South West

Two South West transport bodies are joining forces to provide up to £100,000 in funding for rural mobility initiatives, with £50,000 each available from Western Gateway STB and Peninsula Transport STB.

The funding is open to community groups, charities, businesses, and local authorities aiming to deliver schemes that improve access to hard-to-reach areas. Each STB may split its allocation across multiple pilot projects within their respective regions.

The Western Gateway region covers Gloucestershire to Bournemouth, including Bristol, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bath, Salisbury, and towns such as Dorchester, Weymouth, Stroud, Tewkesbury, and Cirencester. The Peninsula Transport region encompasses Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay.

Funding Priorities

Projects should address at least one of the following challenges:

• Maintaining sustainable rural transport services

• Supporting Net Zero objectives

• Enhancing affordability and accessibility for rural users

• Meeting local community needs

• Promoting sustainable tourism-related mobility

  
  

Cllrs Andy Hadley and Sarah Warren from Western Gateway said:“Many residents live in rural and coastal communities, and others visit for work or leisure. Funding pilot schemes helps improve connections, support local economies, and protect the environment. Last year’s projects included a weekend shuttle to West Bay and demand-responsive transport initiatives in Gloucestershire.”

Cllr John Stephens, Chair of Peninsula Transport, added:“This second round of rural transport pilots helps tackle some of the biggest mobility challenges in the South West. The first-round pilot near Bodmin is already creating a community-led transport network, and we’re excited to see how new projects can improve local travel.”

Previous Projects

• Western Gateway STB: Bridport–West Bay shuttle, e-bike and car hire schemes, and mobility hubs in the Forest of Dean.

• Peninsula Transport STB: Community bus services in Bodmin and Lanivet.

  
  

Applications are open until Sunday 5 October 2025, providing an opportunity for organisations to support rural transport solutions across the South West.