Hospital on bus route being piloted in north Kent

The C3 bus service will link New Ash Green and Hartley with Longfield, Darent Valley Hospital and Bluewater

A new bus route has been launched for a trial period in north Kent.

The C3 service will link New Ash Green, Darent Valley Hospital and the Bluewater Shopping Centre.

It is being provided by Go Coach with financial support by Kent County Council for a limited period. Its continued operation will depend on the use made of it.

KCC's Director of Highways & Transportation Haroona Chughtai, said: "I encourage residents to use the service as much as possible during this trial period so operators can better understand the demand, which will determine the sustainability of the route."

The C3 bus service will be operated Monday to Saturday between 09:00 BST and 15:00 and will provide stops along Hartley, Longfield, Green Street Green and Lane End, covering primary schools and nurseries, as well as Longfield Railway Station.

It will be available until 9 November after which a decision will be made about its future.

Ms Chughtai, said: "I am pleased that we have been able to provide a link between New Ash Green and Darent Valley Hospital for a trial run."