Residents living in remote areas have been given their very own on-demand bus service.
The bus service, launched at the end of May, can been booked in advance by those living more than 800m from an hourly bus route, and anyone with a mobility issue who struggles to travel on regular bus services.
The bus has been set up by Staffordshire County Council for people living in the south of the county.
Older people, young people and those living in isolated rural areas can ring up to book the bus to take them to their destination or to another transport collection. It will also be used to take social care users to day care facilities.
The routes will be worked out on a daily basis depending on what telephone bookings have been made. Those eligible to use the service will only have to pay £2, or £1 with a Your Staffordshire Card.
County Councillor Mike Maryon, cabinet member for highways and transport said: “This new service will give residents in more isolated communities affordable public transport and the independence that brings.
“South Staffordshire Connect is an attempt to use vehicles already providing transport for social service reasons to be used to provide a pre-booked bus service in between their social care commitments. We’re hoping that if successful, this could be a model for all of rural Staffordshire in future.
“The flexible service will adapt to the needs of people living in remote communities offering a valuable transport link.
“It provides a cost-effective service to isolated communities, especially elderly and disabled residents who previously have not had a bus service.”