Demand led bus services approved by Rutland County Council

Thursday, 14 November 2024 13:08

It is hoped the move towards dynamic demand led buses will safeguard public transport in Rutland and reduce rural isolation.

This week Rutland County Council's cabinet approved the introduction of mini buses that will respond to user requests to supplement the Commercial Services such as the R1 and 747 which will continue in their present form. A mini bus will also cover part of the day on the R2 route but the new services will be able to pick up people in outlying areas using a booking system. The changes will be introduced next year. Portfolio holder for Transport, Environment and Communities, Councillor Christine Wise, says by taking this approach they hope to connect more people and save money in their budget.

‘Authorities faced with having to save money in their public transport budget have simply cut buses and our team have decided that this would be a better way and would also tackle one of the council's major values of protecting the vulnerable. There are a lot of people in our villages who don't have cars, don't have access to cars, can become very isolated and that isn't just elderly people. There is a lot of our young people when they get home from school and cannot get out anywhere because there isn't a bus from where they are to where their friends are and I hope this system will help the young as well as the elderly to get where they want to go to’.

More from Local News

Oakham Support and Connections

A new centre for adults with disabilities has opened in Oakham.
Uppingham in Bloom Winter Warmer

There's a chance to raise funds for Uppingham in Bloom's upcoming planting this year in their annual Winter Warmer event.
New mural for Stamford

A new mural of Stamford is on the way in a project funded by South Kesteven District Council.
Local Government Reorganisation

Audio

Rutland County Council and the seven districts of Leicestershire have announced their thinking on the new authorities for local government reorganisation.
RAF Wittering trials vegetable oil

RAF Wittering has been taking part in trials to run its operations on vegetable oil, from trucks to mobile cooking, in a bid to cut the carbon footprint of the force.
Rutland County Council do not support Leicestershire plans

Rutland County Council along with Leicestershire's seven borough and district councils has issued a joint statement saying they do not support Leicestershire County Council's plans to continue with one large unitary authority for the county and that residents deserve better in the upcoming local government reorganisation.
Flying Scotsman at NVR

The country's most well-known steam train has arrived at Nene Valley Railway at Wansford for a series of rail tours and experiences.
A Chorus Line at the Corn Exchange

Audio

A Stamford Theatre Group began its twelfth full musical in five years on Thursday.
The Amber Squad Mini Tour

Audio

A Rutland rock band who achieved national recognition in the early 80s are staging a mini tour starting tonight in Stamford.
Take care when buying second-hand horse boxes

Rutland's rural crime team is warning buyers to be extra careful when buying second-hand horse boxes, with statistics that 1 in 10 listed on selling sites has been flagged as stolen or tampered with.
Matilda Jr and A Chorus Line at the Corn Exchange

Audio

One of the West End's top musicals for children comes to Stamford from today, as Matilda Junior becomes the 11th full production in 5 years for Stamford Showstoppers.
Rutland County Council approves housing developments

The Government's increased housing target for Rutland was one of the reasons planners felt they had no choice but to approve outline planning for a 63 house development on land south of Meadow Lane in Ryhall last night.