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’.
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