Local Buses and Community Transport is the first chapter of nine which will form the State of Rural Services Report 2016 (published in full later on in the year).

The State of Rural Services 2016 project presents the most recent evidence regarding the provision of local bus services and community transport to residents and businesses in rural England. 

Public transport provides travel options for people who, by choice or because of age, income or another reason, do not have access to a private vehicle to reach employment, services and social opportunities. It is frequently cited as a priority topic for rural policy. The focus here is on the provision of local bus services and alternatives such as community transport schemes. It is recognised that other modes of transport, such as rail services, benefit certain rural communities.

A full copy of Local Buses and Community Transport chapter of the forthcoming State of Rural Services Report 2016 can be downloaded here