A new report is calling for action to be taken to improve transport services for isolated communities.

MPs on the Transport Select Committee have called on all government departments to recognise the fundamental importance of passenger transport for providing access to education, healthcare and employment in all kinds of isolated communities.

Transport Select Committee chair Louise Ellman said: "It is vital that all ministers recognise the fundamental importance of passenger transport in providing access to education, healthcare and employment."

The MPs pointed out that there is no necessary link between 'isolated' and 'rural' - many isolated communities can be in urban areas, and the Department for Transport needs to recognise this to ensure resources reach all such groups.

According to the committee, services set up by volunteers are not always adequate replacements for decreased bus services in isolated areas. 

'Total transport' - the pooling of existing transport assets to deliver a broader range of services - is proposed as a possible solution to the problems faced by isolated communities.