On-demand bus service to expand after trial scheme

A number of areas away from main routes will get access to the service

An on-demand bus service trialled in Rutland will be rolled out across the whole county from Monday.

Rutland County Council launched Callconnect minibuses serving a zone between Oakham and Melton in March.

It said the buses had carried 3,000 passengers since the service began and would remain free to use until March 2026.

Christine Wise, council cabinet member for transport, environment and communities, said: "Once we complete the rollout, a number of small villages located away from main routes will have access to a public bus service for the very first time."

She added: "It's a new way of travelling that requires a change to how we use public transport, but the benefits are significant and I hope many more people will get on board."

Journeys can be booked using an app or by phone, the council said.

The council said changes would also be made to the R1 fixed-route service between Melton, Corby, Oakham and Uppingham, after money had been secured from the government to add additional hourly journeys.

The council said the R5 service, between Uppingham and Stamford, would be paused from Saturday to Thursday 28 August.

The resumed service will have a new school term-time only timetable including a direct bus service between North Luffenham, Edith Weston, Ketton and Tinwell to both Stamford and Uppingham.