VOLUNTARY organisations across Greater Manchester are being invited to make a bid for grants to help make public transport more accessible for disabled people.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's Policy Committee has allocated £70,000 for a variety of access grants over the coming financial year.

Cllr Andrew Fender, chairman of the Committee, said: "These grants are often a vital source of funding for voluntary organisations which are working with people who have difficulty accessing ordinary public transport. The money can be used in a variety of ways - either to help organisations offer one-off trips, or to help them promote their service and provide training for their staff. The usefulness of these grants continues to be proven as every year more and more organisations apply for them."

Over the last two years alone there has been a 50 per cent increase in the take-up for small travel grants, and I hope many more organisations will benefit this year."

The Authority wants to improve travel opportunities for people who have difficulties accessing ordinary public transport.

The commitment of £70,000 will help many organisations across the county greatly improve the level of service they can offer.