People travelling to and from the most rural parts of Suffolk are set to benefit from a £200,000 cash boost that will cut the cost of using community cars.

People travelling to and from the most rural parts of Suffolk are set to benefit from a £200,000 cash boost that will cut the cost of using community cars.

The money has been awarded following a successful funding bid by Suffolk County Council from the Rural Bus Challenge to support community car services and the voluntary group who operate them.

Most rural parishes in the county – up to 208 - are set to benefit from the improved scheme which will fund innovative incentives to retain and attract additional volunteer drivers and introduce paid drivers for journeys made at unsociable times when volunteers are not always available.

Danny Douglas, Suffolk County Council's public transport officer, said: "Anybody will be able to book a community car to any of the most rural parishes in the county when there is no bus alternative. The cars are for everybody and are fully accessible to wheelchair users."

Joan Girling, portfolio holder for sustainable environment, planning and transport, said: "People tell us they want more public transport options in rural areas and the community car scheme is a great way to offer this. For the price of a bus ticket passengers can travel with greater flexibility and convenience across Suffolk."

The scheme is set to start in April. For further information contact Danny Douglas, Suffolk County Council, Tel: 01473 583338.