The UK government has awarded £1.2 million in funding to small businesses for projects to boost transport links in rural areas.
Through the Rural Transport Accelerator Fund, eight small businesses have received £150,000 each to develop digital tools and other innovations that will improve connectivity for rural communities. By partnering with local authorities, these projects will support rural jobs, community wellbeing, and local economies, with trials beginning in areas from Norfolk to Scotland.
Among the winning projects are digital solutions to address the specific needs of rural residents. For instance, You.Smart.Thing will trial a demand-responsive tool in Warwickshire to help residents without access to a car find shared or community transport options. Another project by UrbanTide will map patient journeys to NHS hospitals in Fife, helping healthcare providers address gaps in transport for those needing hospital services. Additional projects will focus on predictive tools for rural transport needs and creating safer cycling routes using recycled car tyres.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood highlighted the unique transport challenges faced by rural residents, emphasising that these projects will allow easier access to essential services, from grocery shopping to hospital appointments.
