Up to £2 million will be pumped into providing more minibuses for schools and community groups.

The minibuses will improve the everyday lives of people in rural communities by providing vital links to medical services, shops, and social events, often for elderly residents, people with disabilities or those who do not have access to commercial bus services.

This money marks the second round of community minibus funding from the Department for Transport and comes from an overall funding pot of £25 million.

The initial round of funding will pay for more than 350 minibuses, benefitting more than 300 charities and community groups.

Communities have until December 2nd to apply for a share of the new funding. Winners will receive funding for a 9 to 16-seater minibus, specially tailored for disabled access or adapted seating.

Announcing the next round of funding, transport minister Andrew Jones underlined the importance of community transport in rural and isolated areas.

“This fund is making an enormous difference to organisations, enabling them to help thousands of people across the country participate in local life,” he said.