Transport

One of the greatest barriers to employment and learning in North Belfast is a lack of suitable public or private transport. 

Urban II recognised this as an issue and set the following key objective:

“To provide innovative transport options to link unemployed people with job opportunities in the urban economy”

With the aim of achieving this objective Urban II have facilitated the development of a community transport scheme in the area.

Urban II supported the pilot Ardoyne Community Transport Initiative with a grant of   £144,000 to purchase a minibus, scooters and bicycles.  This scheme provides transport to those who are currently employed but require transport assistance in order to sustain their employment; people who require transport assistance in the search for work; people wanting to access voluntary work and people wishing to access training opportunities.

To date this scheme has proved very successful, with young people in particular, using the scooters and bicycles to access employment and training opportunities. The usage of minibus hire has often been over subscribed which supports the need and demonstrates the success of this venture. Ardoyne Community Transport are currently looking at expanding the services they provide.

For more information on Ardoyne Community Transport please email Shane Whelehan at whelehan@lycos.com