PEOPLE in Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea and surrounding areas who are struggling to make their journeys using public transport can now book a special, on-demand trip.
The digital element of the flexible Slinky service – run by Somerset Council – has rolled out in the new areas following a successful trial in Somerton in recent months.
Funded by the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), along with a raft of other BSIP measures in Somerset, the Slinky allows people to book a journey up to two weeks beforehand – until an hour before they want to set off – online.
Trips can be booked quickly and easily by anybody living in the Taunton, Wellington or the Sedgemoor areas online or by downloading the app.
The new service started on Monday (September 15), also trialling new operating hours – from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
People can use the Slinky service for any trips – including to get 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 Slinky app uses existing bus stops and landmarks as pick-up points, to connect people to local places of interest such as the supermarkets, town centres, education and health care services.
For those who can’t get to a designated pick-up point due to mobility issues, a pick-up can be arranged from home. They will need to phone the booking line to validate that request.
You can book up to an hour before your journey time and two weeks in advance – which is recommended where possible to secure your journey.
Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and waste, Councillor 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 I am pleased that we are rolling it out to other areas.
“People don’t 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. Anyone can use it.”
I use the SLINKY as I am disabled and have mobility issues, I don’t think the SLINKY is flexible enough enough, not everyone can book 2 weeks in advance and You can only get it if You fit in with there times and not the time’s You need and most of the time I am the only one on board, when it could be fuller.