Grants and Funding

Funding of up to £50,000 available for rural transport schemes

16th October 2025

Sub-National Transport Body (STB) has announced funding of up to £50,000 available for rural transport schemes.

Around 1.8 million people live in rural areas of the South West where dependence on vehicular transport is high and 87% of journeys are made by car.

When funding is available, we like to make sure as many people are aware as possible. Herewith an announcement regarding funding available to groups based in (rural) south west England.

Together with Peninsula Transport, the Western Gateway has developed a South West Rural Mobility Strategy to change how transport works for rural areas. The need for funding has been addressed within the strategy which outlines a clear vision: to create inclusive, low-carbon transport options tailored to the realities of rural life. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the strategy defines several “bundles” of interventions—sets of solutions designed around the needs of different kinds of rural places, from small towns to remote hamlets.

These proposals range from improving digital connectivity (reducing the need to travel) to piloting new ways of providing flexible, affordable transport. The goal is to make rural mobility smarter, more sustainable, and better connected—both physically and digitally. By investing in innovation and collaboration, the Western Gateway is helping rural areas in the South West move towards a more connected, inclusive, and carbon-conscious future.

Who is eligible for the funding?

In order to be eligible for the funding the pilot projects need to be aimed at overcoming the six Grand Challenges stated within the Rural Mobility Strategy. These are as follows:
How can rural transport be made more operationally sustainable in the long term?
How can the Net Zero challenge be met in rural areas?
How can rural mobility be more equitable for residents and visitors?
How can accessing daily needs be made more affordable for residents and visitors?
How can the needs of rural communities be met more locally?
How can tourism-related mobility become more sustainable?

“Through these pilots and the South West Rural Mobility Strategy, we’re working to find lasting, local solutions that make travel easier, fairer, and more sustainable. In partnership with Western Gateway, the first round of funded projects are underway, and the project in the Peninsula Transport area near Bodmin is building a community-led transport network. We’re excited to see how it continues to grow and benefit local people.”

Cllr John Stephens

Peninsula Transport Chair

How to apply

In order to apply for the funding you need to:

Be located in a rural or partly rural area
Use low carbon, shared, publicly accessible transport modes (such as shuttle buses, e-bikes, DDR transport etc)
Pass financial due diligence by the STB accountable bodies
Provide evidence of partner organisation support and confirmation of match funding

Meeting the criteria for the funding is essential. It’s advised that you read through the STB Funding Prospectus before embarking on your project or application.

Funding applications needs to consider the following:

The six grand challenges
Users and activities
Geography
Interventions
Forms Transport
Carbon Management.

You can read more about the eligibility criteria here: South West Rural Mobility Pilot Projects or click here to complete your application.

Visit: westerngatewaystb.org.uk

Funding of up to £50,000 available for rural transport schemes

Sub-National Transport Body (STB) has announced funding of up to £50,000 available for rural transport schemes.

Who is eligible for the funding?

How to apply

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