The purpose of this paper is to give a broad outline of the Rural Transport Partnership (RTP) scheme as it relates to countryside access, and invites the National Countryside Access Forum to comment on this work . 
Recreation

Breadcrumbs

NCAF 13/4 Wider Welcome and the Rural Transport Partnership scheme

1. The purpose of this paper is to give a broad outline of the Rural Transport Partnership (RTP) scheme as it relates to countryside access, and invites the National Countryside Access Forum to comment on this work.

RTP Scheme

2. The Rural Transport Partnership (RTP) scheme was established in April 2001. The Countryside Agency will administer £32 million of ring-fenced funding for rural areas over 3 years on behalf of DTLR

3. One of the overall aims of the RTP scheme is in:

enhancing rural transport services to secure a long term improvement in rural people's access to jobs, services and social activities, and in visitors' sustainable access to the countryside. Where possible the fund should also promote social inclusion and tackle problems of rural isolation.

Why are we funding Wider Welcome RTP projects?

4. Our strategy states that:

"we will establish more areas where visitors can enjoy the countryside with confidence, in particular on foot, horse or cycle, whilst also benefiting rural businesses".

5. The Agency's Corporate Plan says that under Wider Welcome we will use the RTP to:

  • help to offer public transport as an option for those wanting to use access land and to provide the necessary links so that users can take advantage of local services and facilities; and
  • provide transport so that the disabled, disadvantaged or others to whom a car is not available can access and enjoy the countryside.  

6. The focus of Wider Welcome projects will be to enable people to have easier access to the countryside for recreation/leisure. People will be able to enjoy the existing Rights of Way network more easily and to visit the new resource of open country. 

What are we trying to achieve

7. The focus of Wider Welcome projects will be to enable people to have easier access to the countryside for recreation/leisure. People will be able to enjoy the existing Rights of Way network more easily and to visit the new resource of open country.

Money available

8. Within the Agency, the RTP funds are allocated between the Vital Villages, Market Towns and Wider Welcome implementation teams on a 70/20/10% basis. For Wider Welcome projects this equates to approximately £650k for 2001/2 and £1m for both 2002/3 and 2203/4.

Progress to date

9. To date 40 projects have been approved covering a variety of types and areas.

Examples

  • A variety of new and extended bus links are being supported - for example  
the "South Downs Explorer" which has developed out of the East Hampshire integrated access demonstration project. People from urban and rural communities will be able to use the service to visit key recreation areas, visitor attractions and ROW including the South Downs Way National Trail.
  • A number of visitor-led projects are on-going - for example the "Hadrian's Wall Demand Responsive" service, a hail and ride bus for visitors to the site.
  • A variety of enhancements for cyclists and walkers are underway - for example "Tynedale Better Deal" - secure bike parking and storage at public transport interchanges. 
  • A variety of schemes which link countryside access and social exclusion issues are in operation - for example "Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs Gateway", community outreach, promotion and improvement in public transport links for disadvantaged communities.
  • Research schemes can also be funded - for example production of an integrated transport strategy which allows for increased visitor numbers to the newly created Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site.
  • Promotional projects are being supported - for example the "Thames Path National Trail Online" information project.  
Future Plans

10. At least another 20 projects are currently in the development stage with more being put forward by regional officers each week. Some which look interesting are a horse and cart which will run between a railway station and a visitor attraction, a large scheme integrating bus, boat, walking and cycling and more projects with socially excluded groups in inner cities. 

11. Work is also ongoing to develop some projects with national coverage. Partners include the Youth Hostels Association, English Nature and British Waterways.