FOUR new state of the art buses have been commissioned by Somerset Council to provide an improved, on-demand, flexible transport service for the Wellington area

The new Digital Slinky buses are fully accessible, and offer 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 the car at home.

The ‘on demand’ buses provide a flexible service with no set route.

The 16-seat diesel vehicles have been purchased with the aid of a Government grant given to the council to expand the service and allow maintenance on the existing fleet to be carried out with minimal disruption.

Seats can be folded up when the space is required for wheelchair passengers, which avoids the driver having to return to the depot to remove seating.

Somerset executive Cllr Richard Wilkins said: “The Digital Slinky trial has proven to be a very popular service.

“We want to make it as simple as possible for people to get around in Somerset.

“Our Digital Slinky buses are easy to access, just use the app and book at least an hour before you want to travel.

“So, if there is no bus nearby, or you just want to leave the car at home, Digital Slinky is a simple, flexible way to get to work, the shops, or appointments.”

The new buses feature a low-floor layout for easier boarding, a dedicated wheelchair space, and a double-door entrance with wide access points to better accommodate wheelchair users.

They also have on-board driver information, destination displays, and ticketing systems to support a more pleasant, comfortable, and straightforward journey.

The Slinky app uses existing bus stops and landmarks as pick-up points, to connect people to local places of interest within the operating area, such as the supermarkets, town centres, education, and health care services.

For people who cannot go to a designated pick-up point due to mobility issues, a pick-up can be arranged from their front door.

Bookings can be made by calling 01823 331266 between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday, except for public holidays.

The Digital Slinky Service is available in locations in and around Wellington on weekdays between 7.30 am and 5.30 pm, but again not during public holidays.

Residents can register to use the Slinky service in any of the following ways:

The Slinky service for Wellington expanded its operating hours last September as its popularity has grown in the past two years beyond the council’s expectations.

Somerset Council’s Think Travel portal on its website can also help people to plan their journeys.