Cash backing for buses as funding competition kicks off

Bus services across England are set to benefit from key improvements as a multi-million pound competition gets underway. From today, local authorities are able to submit applications for a share of £25 million of Kickstart money.

The Kickstart initiative offers financial backing to help launch new or enhanced services, with the focus on getting more people out of their cars and travelling on buses, as well as improving accessibility.

Speaking in York, whilst visiting a successful Kickstart scheme in the city, Transport Minister Paul Clark said: "Good local transport is vital, providing essential links to friends, work and local amenities. This latest round of funding will give crucial financial support to services which may be commercially marginal for operators but which have the potential to benefit local residents.

"York is a shining example of how effective partnership-working between councils, bus companies, passenger groups and local police can result in a first-class service. And Kickstart funding has made a real difference to some communities in North Yorkshire by providing better links from more rural areas to the city. I would encourage other authorities to take inspiration from this and the other successful schemes who received Kickstart funding last time round."

Applications for the new round of funding will be accepted through to 3rd July 2009, with schemes which make use of the new bus powers in the Local Transport Act 2008 being a particular focus. The Department hopes to announce the successful schemes in the Autumn.