1. Better Transport Solutions: Putting Community Transport at the Heart of Local Transport Bruce Thompson Head of Transport Co-ordination Service Devon County Council

2. Context More local solutions sought: Localism/Big Society (whatever these mean) Fewer “Sacred Cows” Cost is King –Value for Money – driving new solutions – accepting change Opportunities Commitment to CT unchanged – but needs will change Overview

3. Context: CT Focus Vital valuable role relied on by many Focus on access to Health & frail elderly/ disabled Local schemes, local organisation: –Some duplication of admin costs etc. –Will pay more for 100% local organisation –Schemes can be hostile to neighbouring CT Potential for reducing costs and increasing service scope

4. Funding Who is funding higher CT scheme costs? (The public as funders, and LAs)

5. Context: LAs LA budget/funding cuts - long term LA’s want more, different and less costly From grants to contracts – but grants can work for LA’s and CT groups LA’s more specific regarding what they pay for Expect contingency to maintain service Equality re. Barriers to Travel & Services

6. Context: Services Public buses more accessible plus Concessionary Travel Scheme = fewer passengers on e.g. Ring & Ride CT not funded to compete with public bus services – but to complement CT expanding patronage by “other trips” (to coast, garden centres etc.) … not essential access: will LAs fund? Ring & Ride a declining service?

7. Localism/Big Society May be political mantra but ….. More cuts will come; 2 nd Spending Review etc. Public Transport at risk: valued, but not statutory Many future transport needs will only be met by CT – or not at all Is CT up for this?

8. Opportunities: Services “Area Integration” – focus around towns: –includes school, social care, bus, fare car and Ring & Ride transport More inclusive less bespoke services More S22, less S19 services Expand passenger base - not widen trip choice for existing passengers Is CT serving the community’s transport needs, or only frail elderly and disabled?

9. Opportunities: Organisational Collaboration across groups Economies of scale – lower admin. costs Resilience – sharing resources/drivers/ vehicles Sharing good practice; bids; tenders “Strength through unity” re. funding, LA

10. Best Options Strong Local Authority-wide CT Resilient and efficient CT Partnership Working across groups & LA Open to new opportunities Accept why old comfort zones must end Serve wider transport needs of communities

11. Community Transport serving the wider transport needs of a community regardless of passenger age or ability

12. Next Steps DfT Delegated Fund Service growth (additionality) eg: –Wider scope/area/passenger base –Different services –Innovation –Area-based services Capacity-building Improving sector self-resilience