AN influential committee of MPs is calling for evidence on passenger transport in isolated communities.

The inquiry by the House of Commons Transport Committee believes all communities should have access to adequate transport services.

Committee chairman Louise Ellman said: "People from different communities across the UK should have access to adequate transport services.

"We will be looking at how best to meet the needs of passengers in isolated communities, including rural areas, island communities, and suburban or urban areas with poor transport connections.

"We are particularly interested in the provision of bus and rail services, as well as the role of Community Transport services."

The Committee intends to hear oral evidence in the Autumn. Ahead of this, it would like to receive written evidence on the following points:

* How do Government and local authorities identify demand for passenger transport in isolated communities (including rural and urban areas and island communities)?

*To what extent are the needs of different groups of passengers (e.g. people with disabilities, older people, young people) taken into account in determining the provision of public transport to isolated communities?

*What are the main challenges associated with providing better and more consistent bus and rail services to isolated communities? How can these challenges be overcome?

*How effectively do Community Transport services address the needs of passengers in isolated communities? How could Community Transport be improved?

*To what extent should passengers in isolated communities be expected to rely on taxis and other demand-responsive transport services?

*What are the main challenges associated with funding transport services in isolated communities? How can these services be made more affordable?

Written submissions should be received by Monday, 2 September 2013.

As part of a scheme to encourage paperless working and maximise efficiency, the committee is using a new web portal for online submissions of written evidence.

Written submissions for this inquiry should therefore be sent via the Transport Committee website.