A new sustainable transport scheme to reduce the barriers into work and education in South Essex has been awarded funds from government.
The South Essex Active Travel programme, launching in April 2017, will receive £3.32 million over three years to help Thurrock residents who are looking for work or education by providing travel information and services to jobseekers, young people, new employees and students.
The services include many which young people and those starting new jobs require, including loan bikes to jobseekers, adult cycle training, cycle maintenance, public transport promotion and route planning.
The programme will facilitate access to the 12,000 new jobs and 10,500 education opportunities across South Essex over the next three years.
As part of the project, a cycle hub will be created in Tilbury to offer fully-serviced, recycled and cost effective bikes, as well as cycling training and parking.
The Department for Transport praised the joint bid from Thurrock, Southend and Essex Councils after ‘clearly demonstrating’ how the project will help the local economy and increase physical activity through walking and cycling.
Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Brian Little, said: “How to get to and from a new place of work is often a sizable barrier to people entering employment. Not everyone has access to their own transport or can rely on others.
“Working with partners, this scheme will not only help residents directly and the Thurrock economy, but also help us tackle air quality and congestion for all residents.”
For more information on travelling in and around Thurrock, please go to thurrock.gov.uk/travel
