£1m boost for local car clubs

The Welsh Government has announced plans to invest £1m in creating a network of car clubs to connect rural communities, including in Newtown.

This move is part of a larger effort to meet ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, with aims for public transport, walking, and cycling trips to make up 45% of journeys by 2040.

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The announcement follows previous steps taken by the Welsh Government to improve accessibility in rural areas, such as the Fflecsi bus service.

The car club schemes, which provide an affordable way for people to share a car without the costs of ownership, will be implemented in various rural communities across Wales, including Newtown, Llanidloes, Welshpool, Machynlleth, Crymych, Cwmllynfell, Kilgetty, Llandovery, and Llandrindod Wells.

Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters emphasized the importance of these car clubs in achieving the government's carbon emissions targets. He stated:

“To meet our legal carbon emissions targets the Welsh Government is committed to see public transport, walking and cycling trips account for 45% of journeys by 2040 (up from 32% in 2021).

“Achieving this in rural areas will require a different approach to that taken in most urban areas.

“Car clubs are an easy and affordable way for people to share use of a car without the cost of owning one.

“Today’s funding will create a network of car clubs in rural communities across Wales and I look forward to seeing the real difference that will make in widening transport options and, over time, reducing our carbon emissions.”

The grant for the car club initiative will be led by Robert Owen Community Banking in collaboration with TrydaNi and TripTo, who already operate car clubs in Newtown and other locations.