FUNDING has been awarded to 12 organisations across England with the aim of understanding how transport can play a role in helping people who are feeling lonely.

Pilot projects receiving a share of the £5 million funding include support for older people using public transport after the pandemic, autism awareness training for staff across the transport network and a group electric cycling scheme.

Millions of people across the nation are struggling with feelings of loneliness, which were exacerbated by the pandemic. The Government is committed to tackling loneliness, including through building the evidence base for what can alleviate this problem. Findings from the pilots will be used to inform how future transport schemes can contribute to reducing loneliness in communities.

Minister Baroness Vere said: “Loneliness affects millions of people across the UK. Transport can help us solve this problem by connecting us to people, places, and experiences.

“Congratulations to the organisations that secured funding for their proposals. This is a great opportunity to improve future transport schemes and shape the national conversation on loneliness.

“We will continue to work closely with transport providers and community groups to build an inclusive and accessible transport network.”

  • Nearly £5 million has been allocated for pilot projects to understand how transport can be used to alleviate lonelines.
  • Government has partnered with 12 organisations across England to deliver pilot projects targeting people who are most at risk of loneliness.
  • The projects will be evaluated to develop an evidence base for how transport policies can reduce the number of people feeling lonely.