WEST Somerset residents can now make use of the SLINKY bus on demand door-to-door transport service.
The distinctive silver buses operate without a fixed route for people who do not have access to a regular bus service or a private car.
Passengers book in advance and are picked up from their homes.
Somerset County Council portfolio holder for transport, Councillor Tony Shire, said: “We are delighted to be able to extend the SLINKY bus’s coverage.
“The service is already a hit with people in Taunton and Wellington and has really helped people spread their wings and be more independent.
“It is amazing the number of rural people who say the service has changed their lives.
“They do not have to rely on their children or neighbours to get out and about any more.
“There is also the comfort factor. Elderly people get to know a regular driver who will help them on and off. Passengers get that little bit more than with a regular bus service.”
SLINKY is available to anybody who does not have access to transport for a journey - but if there is a public bus running that can be used by the passenger, or if they have access to their own transport, then the SLINKY is not suitable.
Buses operate Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays, and provide wheelchair access, space for shopping, mobility equipment, and prams, and there are concessionary fares to travel pass holders on the same basis as public transport.
The new bus service is part-funded through the Local Transport Plan, the county council's five-year transport and road improvement plan.
The booking line is 01643 707090 and is open 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday, and on Saturday from 9 am to 12 noon.
- Photo shows one of the distinctive SLINKY Bus fleet. Photo submitted.
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