But the funding will only keep the service, which provides around 100 individual passenger journeys each week for people with disabilities, afloat until the end of this year.
Charity UnLtd at the Ron Short Centre had been dependent on the Social Investment Fund to cover the cost of the service.
However, its latest application was not approved, and the money was due to run out at the start of July.
But the former Committee for Employment & Social Security agreed to provide short-term funding of £26,000 to sustain UnLtd’s transport programme for the six-month period to the end of the year.
Former deputy and former ESS president Peter Roffey confirmed the matter had been discussed at the previous committee’s final meeting after the election.
The committee was largely focusing on handover arrangements at that stage, but Mr Roffey said this matter had been raised and the committee was concerned about disabled people being unable to leave their homes if the service suddenly stopped.
‘Rather than let it collapse, we wanted to give them time to find a solution,’ he said.
The money came from the social security fund. Mr Roffey said normally that money was used to help with individuals’ transport costs.
But having checked the rules, there was no reason it could not be used for the transport service.
‘It was in the spirit of the rules,’ he said.
It was made clear the money was a short-term measure to keep it going to the end of the year and a longer-term solution was needed.
The current ESS committee, led by Deputy Tina Bury, who was on the committee last term, confirmed that the grant was agreed in recognition of the positive impact of UnLtd’s transport service in supporting social inclusion and work rehabilitation.
It declined to comment about future funding.
UnLtd welcomed the show of support.
‘This support ensures continuity of care for individuals whose mobility needs cannot be met by public transport or private vehicles and recognises the essential role that tailored community transport plays in an inclusive society,’ a spokesman for the charity said.
‘UnLtd is also encouraged by the States’ efforts to develop a new community transport policy. We are keen to support this work and to help the States fulfil its commitment “to facilitate safe, convenient, accessible and affordable travel options for all the community, which are time and energy efficient, enhance public health and the environment and minimise pollution”.’
UnLtd remained hopeful of continuing the service into next year.
It said that over the next three months it would work with the States, look to consult with disabled islanders and work with other third sector groups.
‘We are confident that by drawing on local knowledge, lived experience, and sector-specific expertise, Guernsey can create a model of community transport that is both equitable, cost-effective and future-ready,’ the spokesman said.
It expected to offer an update on progress by the end of October.
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