Stratford-on-Avon District Council's UBUS service has just made its 50,000th journey.
Passengers on the milestone journey included Michael and Brenda Porter from Welford-on-Avon, who have been UBUS passengers since the service began.
UBUS is a community transport service that operates on a dial-a-bus basis. The service is for all residents of any age, wherever they may live in the district, who are stuck for transport to travel locally on weekdays between 9.30am and 2.30pm.
The scheme is for any district residents who have a general need for local transport and cannot access public transport because of mobility problems or other issues, or live in an isolated location with no (or infrequent) levels of public transport
Robert Weeks, Head of Planning and Housing, says: "This is such a great achievement. Good transport can enhance people's quality of life and the UBUS service offers this valued lifeline for our district residents of any age who are stuck for transport.
"Our district is very rural and buses in some areas are infrequent. Some villages have no bus service. UBUS enables people to remain connected to services, shops and social opportunities."
The District Council's UBUS service has been operating since 2014. During this time it has travelled 269,010 miles and transported almost 800 individuals.
The top reasons for travel include: shopping; visiting local markets and to get to social activities.
The UBUS Service
UBUS operates on a 'zone' basis, providing transport in different parts of Stratford-on-Avon district on specific days:
- West of district - Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
- East of district - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- South of district - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
- Stratford town - Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
People who wish to use the UBUS service have to register by phoning 01789 264491 - there's no registration charge and once registered further details of the service will be sent through together with a membership number.
To book please call 01789 264491 - subject to vehicle availability, you can book your journey up to 24 hours before you wish to travel. You can also book a journey up to seven days in advance.
