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Introduction

The Rural Transport Fund (RTF) is administered by the Department and has been in existence in Northern Ireland since November 1998. Its primary objective is to support transport services designed to give people in rural areas improved access to work, education, healthcare, shopping and recreational activities and by so doing assists in reducing their social isolation.

The RTF offers support through two primary means of assistance:

  • Subsidy for new rural services provided by Translink which are conomically unviable but socially necessary; and
  • revenue and capital funding for Rural Community Transport Partnerships that offer a range of complementary services to the public transport network for their members.

How does the RTF achieve its objectives?

Through means of a partnership between central government, the public and community transport sectors, the RTF seeks to provide solutions to the transport problems faced by many people living in rural areas. The projects supported by the RTF are required to demonstrate that they fulfil some or all of the following criteria: -

  • Target social need by improving rural peoples access to training or employment opportunities;
  • Complement the work of other agencies involved in the development of rural communities;
  • Support a wide range of community-based activities and have a broad base of community support; and
  • Encourage volunteering activity

The RTF also provides financial support to the Community Transport Association (CTA) which offers training, advice and information to the community transport sector. Ports and Public Transport Division administers the payment of RTF grant and maintains a close working relationship with Translink's Rural Transport Unit, all 19 partnerships and CTA. Groups seeking funding submit business plans, which are assessed by the Division and outputs and outcomes are regularly monitored. An annual review is published by the Division outlining the year's previous activities. Further information about the Rural Transport Fund including downloadable publications, application forms,logos and helpful links can be found under the Rural Transport Fund Strategy pages.

Information