A DEMAND responsive bus service run by Somerset Council for residents of Wellington and nearby communities went digital this week and extended its operating hours.

The Slinky bus, which can be booked in advance for near-door to door journeys, now has an app and is running from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday.

The council is using a Government grant to fund the improvements in the service.

Anybody wanting to use the ‘Digital Slinky’ should register and then book online or download the app to do so.

The ‘on demand’ service is a flexible bus service with no set route, provided for passengers who book in advance.

It can be booked from one hour to two weeks in advance of travel and uses existing bus stops and landmarks as pick-up points, but can collect from home for people whose mobility prevents them going to a pick-up.

Anybody who cannot use the digital option can still register and book by telephone by calling 01823 331266 between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday.

The service offers a handy alternative for people needing to go to the shops, work, appointments, or social visits if a bus service is not easily available, or they just want to leave their car at home.

Somerset executive Cllr Richard Wilkins said: “In a rural county like ours, digital demand responsive transport has the potential to play a much bigger role going forward.

“We have seen its popularity grow beyond our expectations with the pilot in Somerton and I am pleased we are rolling it out to other areas.

“People do not always have easy access to a bus route or a car, or they may wish to leave their car at home.

“Digital Slinky is a great alternative, reliable, affordable, and easy to book.

“Anybody can use it.”