BBCA council says it is “determined” to protect an on-demand bus service which provides “a vital lifeline” for its passengers.
The Slinky Bus, run by Somerset Council, allows people who do not live near a regular public transport route to ride into town or to the doctors by booking on an app or telephone.
It uses existing bus stops and landmarks as pick-up points to connect people to town and for people with mobility issues a pick-up can be arranged from home.
The service has seen an increase in demand across Somerton and Langport with 10,000 journeys completed in the last 18 months.
John Pizzey, who is a regular user, says the service is a huge “lifeline” for him.
Mr Pizzey, who has mobility issues and lives in Somerton, said: “There’s not an awful lot of buses around here.
“I couldn’t get around another way, other than depending on neighbours to give me lifts because I don’t have a car.
“I’m grateful, it’s a great service.”
There is a similar service called Westlink, serving parts of Bristol, North and East Somerset, Bath and South Gloucestershire. Although there are doubts about whether it is sustainable.
Somerset Council said it was committed to the service, saying that on-demand responsive transport is “essential” in a rural county like Somerset.
Digital Slinky across Somerset has now been rolled out to the Bridgwater, Burnham, Taunton and Wellington areas.
Tina Parton, one of the drivers for the Slinky bus in Somerton, said: “It’s different to a normal bus service.
“We go out and meet different people, especially the older people where they can’t always get into town and we’re providing a service and a good chat too.”
Pete McNaughton, operations manager for the service said it has been a “phenomenal” growth for the service.
“We’re joining up the communities and local outlying area that have been left out by bus cuts.
“It isn’t just to get to them from the doctors, it’s to build them back into communities, to go to meet up with their friends.”
