Case Study 9

Project: Dumfries and Galloway Rural Community Transport Strategy

Client: Dumfries and Galloway Accessible Transport Forum (ATF). The Strategy process was funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Executive.

Outline: A region-wide Community Transport Study aimed at providing the ATF and the Council’s transport unit with practical strategic advice and guidance to improve access to transport in rural areas, with particular regard to disadvantaged sectors of the community.

Our approach: The scope of the project included transport services provided by the public, private and voluntary sectors. There were two parts to the project:

• Part One - a Dumfries and Galloway wide review and analysis of accessibility relating key indicators of need with current levels of transport provision, to provide a strategic overview for the region as a whole. This involved mapping 2001 census data overlaid with information on current transport provision, using GIS mapping techniques
• Part Two - detailed Community Assessment pilots in four local communities across Dumfries & Galloway, working with individuals and community organisations to establish transport needs and identify solutions to meet those needs, working towards a transport strategy for each area.

Benefits: The project led to the Council adopting an integrated strategic approach to meeting transport needs across rural Dumfries and Galloway. This involved clearly identified roles for public, private and voluntary sector transport organisations.

All four pilot areas produced detailed local transport action plans that have led to improved services from traditional bus and rail services; community transport organisations; and innovative local solutions such as car-share schemes, volunteer car schemes, taxi-bus services, and improvements to walking and cycling facilities.

The consultative community-based approach to improving local transport has been adopted by the council for rolling out across the whole region.