Torbay Council has been awarded £695,000 revenue funding from the Department of Transport for sustainable transport schemes being delivered between 1 April 2015 until 31 March 2016 under the banner of SmartTravel Torbay.

The project is targeted at working with the most deprived areas of Torbay to improve their access to facilities including health. It will enhance the existing work of the Travel Torbay initiative; improving walking routes and bus services particularly to the hospital; creating a smart card ticketing system for all Torbay public transport; making it easier to travel on various modes of transport; cycle training for all adults; and a walking to school campaign.

An extract from the bid reads: SmartTravel Torbay will deliver an innovative package of measures, focused on creating a legacy of sustainable travel, economic growth and improved health. The package includes:

• A multi-modal smartcard for bus, rail and ferry
• A new bus service linking the hospital with the West of Paignton and South Hams
• Cycle training across all ages and abilities
• Travel planning
• Improved walking routes

Torbay’s bid is one of 44 sustainable transport schemes announced as part of the £64million government investment from the Department of Transport.

The successful schemes will bring environmental, health and economic benefits to communities across England. The range of schemes will include improved infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, better bus journeys and new and upgraded transport interchanges allowing people to easily switch from one mode of transport to another.

Torbay Council’s Executive Member for Safer Communities, Highways, Environment and Sport, Councillor Robert Excell said: “Torbay Council is delighted with the success of this bid – an extra £695,000 funding is a real boost to our sustainable transport plans, and I look forward to the team putting these plans into place which will benefit transport users in Torbay and improve the environment.”

Baroness Kramer, Minister of State for Transport, said:

“We know people want to choose to travel in a way that cuts congestion and carbon and which delivers real economic and environmental benefits. This funding makes that choice easier and more convenient for millions of people across the country by delivering new sustainable transport schemes throughout England.”

The bid is available to view at www.torbay.gov.uk/lstf