Over £2.1m spent by community transport users across Devon

More than £2.1 million was spent by community transport users in local high streets across Devon in 2015, according to new figures.

The estimated financial support to local businesses is highlighted in a survey carried out by the Community Transport Associations in Devon.

Nearly 3,000 Ring & Ride and Shopmobility service users were asked how much they had spent on their shopping trips in November. The anonymous responses of those who took part in the survey revealed that in total they had spent over £128,000 throughout the month.

Based on those figures, it’s estimated that service users spent £2.19 million in Devon throughout last year.

This means that for every pound invested by Devon County Council on community transport, almost £9 is spent in the local economy.

In 2015, nearly 25,000 passengers used Ring & Ride buses and more than 8,800 accessed Shopmobility services.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Community transport is extremely important in Devon in helping people to maintain their independence and continue living at home. It provides a lifeline to those who may otherwise be isolated and, as these figures show, it is also important in supporting the local economy.

"Community transport, such as Ring & Ride and Shopmobility, helps people who find it hard to get around to access their local shops and other services. The benefits to our local market and coastal towns are clear, and the success of community transport is thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers.”

To find out more about community transport in Devon, to use the services or support the schemes, go to the journeydevon website, www.journeydevon.info or call 01392 382123.