Eight small businesses from across the UK have won a share of £1.2m to improve transport in rural areas.
Each project will get £150,000 from the Government’s Rural Transport Accelerator Fund, which supports the development of ‘innovative concepts’ to improve transport in partnership with councils.
Winners include a digital tool designed to offer community transport options for those without cars and a journey mapping tool to help health providers deliver hospital transport for patients.
Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood said: ‘People who live in rural areas have unique needs when it comes to transport and we’re always looking for ways to improve connections across the country.
‘Through our funding, these projects will shake up the way rural transport is delivered, using the latest innovations to help residents see their friends and family, do their weekly food shop or attend hospital appointments.’