A COMMUNITY transport group in Renfrewshire has been awarded a welcomed funding boost.

Renfrewshire Council’s “SOOPiR” (Strengthening Opportunities for Older Adults in Renfrewshire) bus project has received £8500 from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).

SOOPiR was launched in 2019 and it provides transport for older people and community groups in Renfrewshire to access activities that will improve the lives of socially isolated people who are unable to use public transport due to their limited mobility.

The grant funding will be used to support the running cost of the service.

SPT Chair Stephen Dornan said: “Community transport is the lifeblood of transport and the value it offers the communities we serve is invaluable.

“SOOPiR is a hugely popular service which helps, often the most vulnerable people, get around the region when there is no other option available.

“We know that loneliness is a major issue for many of our elderly population and therefore having services like this available is important.”

The funding is part of a £1.3m grant investment programme from SPT into community transport operations across the West of Scotland.

Community Transport operators help deliver much-needed transport to local communities and voluntary groups, particularly the elderly, disabled and those on low income.

The services are designed to promote and support the delivery of high-quality, reliable and accessible transport to communities across the SPT area.

Jim Paterson, SPT board member and Renfrewshire Councillor said: “SOOPiR is a relatively new service but it is very encouraging to see SPT value its work and provide grant funding to help it continue.

“I know from feedback from users how appreciated the service is and its ability to offer people who cannot use public transport options a way to travel around the area.

“We hope more users are able to use this service thanks to the funding provided.”