Rural Transport Initiative given permanent funding

OLDER people and those with disabilities living in country areas can look forward to a better bus service, Transport Minister Martin Cullen pledged yesterday when he announced that the Rural Transport Initiative (RTI) is to become a permanent part of Government funding.

The service has faced uncertainty since it was set up four years ago to tackle rural isolation, but it is here to stay, he said.

Extra funding of €1 million is being made available to this year’s scheme, bringing the total amount for the scheme to €4.5m. A further €5m will be provided next year.