News
25th Jun 2010
Residents in Rutland are to benefit from an on-demand bus service that’s already helped thousands get where they’re going. On Monday 5 July, Rutland joins the CallConnect family. For the first time, residents in areas including Greetham, Ryhall and Ketton will be able to use the award-winning service. Anyone can travel on the bus, for whatever reason and as often as they like – and registration is free. Councillor William Webb, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We are delighted that this kind of partnership working has made possible another leap forward in this superb service. It’s also gratifying to see other councils using the tried-and-tested CallConnect service to enable residents in their own areas to access this kind of public transport whose importance has been acknowledged at a national level.” The Stamford-area service was launched by Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire county councils last September, with Peterborough City Council joining the partnership in April 2010. As originally planned, Rutland County Council has now become the fourth member of the CallConnect partnership. Residents will soon have an opportunity to see first-hand what the service has to offer at a series of roadshows, taking place in the coming weeks. Councillor Mark Wells, Rutland County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transportation, added: “CallConnect offers reliable, affordable and flexible transport, from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. I’m sure our residents will make the most of this very special service.” This new improvement is only the latest chapter in the CallConnect success story. Cllr Heather Smith, Northamptonshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “This excellent service covers villages in the division I represent, and I know for a fact that they are thrilled with CallConnect. Before the service they had no public transport at all and for many it has made a very big difference to their lives. Being part of this partnership with other authorities has ensured the continued success of this innovative project.” One city that can testify to CallConnect’s popularity is Peterborough, which has been covered by the service since March. Teresa Wood, Peterborough City Council’s group manager for transport and sustainable environment, said: “People in Peterborough have really taken to CallConnect. We are very pleased to be working in partnership with our neighbouring local authorities, enabling us to offer this service to our residents.” In addition, new locations in Lincolnshire will be added to the Stamford service including Market Deeping, Deeping St James, South Witham, Baston and Langtoft. ENDS 24 June 2010 Notes to Editor For further details on CallConnect or to make a booking, please visit the new website at www.wellandcallconnect.co.uk . People can also contact the service via the booking line on 0845 263 8153, although customers calling from the Peterborough area will need to use 01733 317461. Lines are open: Monday - Friday, 9am-5.30pm and Saturday, 9am-4pm. Bookings can also be made using the new email address, wellandcallconnect@lincolnshire.gov.uk or by texting CallConnect to 82727 (texts are charged at the operator’s standard rate). The CallConnect minibus will pick up and set down at designated locations in each village or town. Home pick ups and drop offs are also available for people who are unable to use conventional bus services due to age, disability or mobility impairment. The bus is equipped with a tail-lift, meaning it can carry everyone, including those in wheelchairs and people with pushchairs.
