Somerset Council has unveiled a new digital on-demand flexible transport service, Slinky Transport, available to people living in the Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea and surrounding areas.
The Slinky app uses existing bus stops and landmarks as pick-up points, to connect people to local places of interest within the operating area – such as the supermarkets, town centres, education and health care services.
The service offers an alternative for people needing to get to the shops, work, appointments or social visits if a bus service is not easily available.
The service is fully operational from Monday 15 September. With BSIP funding we are also trialling extended hours starting at 7.30am and running through to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The digital element of the Slinky service is funded by the UK government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), along with a raft of other BSIP measures in Somerset.
Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and waste, 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.”
Achievements and innovations in accessibility & disability services will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
