The recent guidance from the Department for Transport on Local Transport Plans is a positive step forward for community transport in England. It recognises the important role community transport organisations play in helping people access healthcare, education, employment and community life, and encourages local transport authorities to engage with the sector when planning local transport services.

That’s significant because community transport doesn’t fill gaps in the transport network. It enables people to participate in everyday life.

Here in Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster, we’re fortunate to work in partnership with Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster City Council to deliver transport that supports older people, people with disabilities and local community organisations.

Every day, we see the difference that partnership working can make;

Someone reaches an important NHS appointment – an older person maintains their independence through a trip on the Shopper Bus – a local charity is able to bring its members together because accessible transport is available.

These may seem like individual journeys, but collectively they strengthen communities and help people remain connected to the people, places and services that matter most.

That’s why we welcome the new guidance. It reflects something our sector has understood for many years: community transport is not an optional extra. It is part of the community infrastructure that helps people live independently, reduces isolation and enables local organisations to deliver for the communities they serve.

As demand grows and our communities continue to change, planning transport with community transport providers will help create more inclusive, accessible and resilient local transport networks.

We’re proud to play our part and look forward to continuing to work with our local authority partners, the NHS and community organisations to keep people connected.