Twelve organisations have been awarded funding with the aim of understanding how transport can play a role in helping people who are feeling lonely.

Pilot projects receiving a share of the £5 million funding include support for older people using public transport after the pandemic, autism awareness training for staff across the transport network and a group electric cycling scheme.

Millions of people across the nation are struggling with feelings of loneliness, which were exacerbated by the pandemic. The government is committed to tackling loneliness, including through building the evidence base for what can alleviate this problem. Findings from the pilots will be used to inform how future transport schemes can contribute to reducing loneliness in communities.

Minister Baroness Vere said:

“Loneliness affects millions of people across the UK. Transport can help us solve this problem by connecting us to people, places and experiences.

“Congratulations to the organisations that secured funding for their proposals. This is a great opportunity to improve future transport schemes and shape the national conversation on loneliness.”

Age UK’s Travelling Companions scheme will involve volunteers across England encouraging and supporting older people to reconnect with their communities, including using public transport again after the prolonged period of enforced isolation caused by the pandemic.

National Autistic Society’s Driving Change for Autistic People project will offer training to transport providers across England, ensuring that their staff have an increased understanding of autism – removing barriers for autistic people who wish to use public transport to reduce their loneliness.