Organisations supporting transport solutions across the district came together last month for Malvern Hills District Council's first Transport Summit of the year.
The summit's theme was 'Connected Transport', which took place on 17 February and provided information, and updates from across public, private, community and voluntary sector organisations.
The County Council provided an update on the Public Transport Network and Bus Service Improvement Plan, and Local Walking Cycling and Infrastructure Plans including its bids for funding to support delivery.
Attendees also heard from Malvern Hills Community Car Club, whose aim is to improve accessibility to transport for residents in rural areas as well as to help reduce carbon footprint, by supporting community car clubs and e-bike schemes. The district council has provided a grant of over £124,000 to support these schemes and is reaching out to communities to get involved in setting up car clubs within their own communities.
Other investment by the district council, including new crowdfunding opportunities were also discussed. This included the £150,000 People Make Places Fund; £150,000 Ticket to Ride Fund.
Guest speakers included Tina McLoughlin, Transport Infrastructure & Commissioning Manager Worcestershire County Council, Robin Coates, Co-founder of Malvern Hills Car Club, Kate Walton, Chief Officer Community Action Malvern & District, John Driver, Chairman of Teme Wheels, and more.
Cllr Sarah Rouse, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We were delighted to host this summit as transport is a significant priority for the council as outlined in our 5-year plan actions on community transport, active travel and carbon zero. The summit gave us the opportunity to share plans, visions and next steps for improvements across the transport network, to ensure that we do so in a connected and sustainable way, with asset based approaches at the heart of this".
The Ticket to Ride Fund is available to apply for now, visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/crowdfunding for more information.
Visit www.malvernhills-carclubs.org.uk for more information on the Malvern Hills Community Car Club.
