How the RTF helps
The RTF offers support through revenue funding for Rural Community Transport Partnerships that offer a range of complementary services to the public transport network for their members.
How the RTF achieve its objectives
Through means of a partnership between central government, and community transport sectors, the RTF seeks to provide solutions to the transport problems faced by many people living in rural areas.
The projects supported by the RTF are required to demonstrate that they fulfil some or all of the following criteria:
- target social need by improving rural peoples access to training or employment opportunities
- complement the work of other agencies involved in the development of rural communities
- support a wide range of community-based activities and have a broad base of community support
- encourage volunteering activity
Supporting the Community Transport Association
The RTF also provides financial support to the Community Transport Association (CTA) which offers training, advice and information to the community transport sector.
Rural Community Transport
There are Rural Community Transport Partnerships in all parts of Northern Ireland. The Dial a Lift scheme provided by the Rural Community Transport Partnerships is a service for people living in rural areas who are unable or find it difficult to use public transport. To use the rural services a person must become a member of their local Community Transport organisation and meet the following criteria:
- an individual must live in a rural area, that is an area not covered by the interim urban Disability Action Transport Scheme
- have difficulty accessing everyday services due to a lack of transport
You can find out more about Dial a Lift at the link below:
- Dial a Lift (nidirect website)
- how to contact Rural Community Transport Operators (nidirect website)
Payment of the RTF grant
Public Transport Division administers the payment of RTF grant and maintains a close working relationship with all 11 partnerships and CTA. Groups seeking funding submit business plans, which are assessed by the Division and outputs and outcomes are regularly monitored.