MORE than half-a-million journeys were made using community transport in Greater Manchester last year, according to new research.

The report, for the Greater Manchester Community Transport Forum, was launched at an event to promote community transport across the region, including the purchase of more vehicles.

The research found that volunteer drivers provided the equivalent of £190,000 of their time for free, and that nearly 90 per cent of trips help passengers get to education or health facilities, or to work.

Cllr Matt Colledge, chairman of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: “This research shows that community transport is helping to fill a gap. It’s a massive benefit for people who are unable to use conventional public transport, because there isn’t a service near them or due to their circumstances.

“That’s why we’ve announced plans to invest a further £120,000 to pay for vehicles and to support community transport projects.”