Three organisations providing vital local connections are sharing more than £101,000 of SPT funding.
Three South Lanakshire organisations are sharing more than £101,000 in core grant funding from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.
Larkhall and District Volunteer Group (LDVG), Blantyre Volunteer Group and East Kilbride Community Transport (EKCT) are each receiving support for 2026-2027 from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.
They are among 19 community organisations across the region to benefit from the funding allocation to help in their work of “delivering essential journeys to healthcare appointments, shops and social activities”.
Larkhall and District Volunteer Group will receive up to £64,700 for its core operations and to support MyBus demand-responsive services.
The organisation, based at Victoria Street in the town, operates community transport minibuses and runs services including three weekly shopping bus services for older residents in Ashgill, Strutherhill, Birkenshaw and Hareleeshill, and a community car helping local people with transport to medical appointments.
Blantyre Volunteer Group will receive up to £28,000 towards core operating costs for running its fleet of five minibuses, which provides journeys for charities, youth associations, schools and community groups.
East Kilbride Community Transport will receive up to £16,000 in core funding, “helping ensure residents across the area can access the services and activities they need”.
The voluntary organisation, which has been running for almost four decades, operates three 16-seater minibuses which are booked by community groups, schools and churches for trips and social activities.
Group secretary June Harpum told the East Kilbride News earlier this year how the operation costs £5000 per month for costs ranging from ever-increasing fuel to required 10-weekly servicing of its vehicles.
SPT chair Councillor Stephen Dornan said: “South Lanarkshire has a network of dedicated community transport volunteers and operators who make a real difference to people’s lives every day.
“Whether it’s a MyBus journey to a medical appointment in Larkhall or a community trip in East Kilbride, these organisations are connecting people who might otherwise be left isolated; SPT is delighted to support their work.”
Papers for SPT’s operations committee approving the funding for the 19 organisations noted: “Community transport operators deliver essential services, with a particular focus on supporting older people, individuals with disabilities, and those on low incomes.
“These services facilitate access to key destinations, including healthcare, retail, and social activities, thereby supporting independent living and community participation.
“Applications seek funding support towards core operating costs, including driver provision, volunteer expenses, staff salaries, training, vehicle insurance, maintenance, and fuel – without this support, the sector’s ability to deliver essential transport services to local communities would be significantly reduced.
“Community rransport plays a critical role in improving access to goods, services, and facilities across the west of Scotland, particularly for older people, disadvantaged individuals and vulnerable groups.”
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