On-demand bus service to connect isolated villages

Rural communities like Exton will get a new on-demand bus service this month

A new on-demand bus service straddling two counties is to be launched later this month.

Towns and villages in north-west Rutland and north-east Leicestershire will be served by the new bus network from 31 March.

The zone, covering the areas between Oakham and Melton Mowbray, is the first of three planned as part of Rutland County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan.

A series of information events is being held ahead of the launch with the first on Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 GMT at Oakham Library.

The new on-demand service will be free to use for the first three months, with passengers able to book journeys on a phone app or by calling, with at least an hour's notice.

The council said the plan was to trial on-demand minibuses from existing bus stops alongside the area's fixed-route services through 2025.

It said the aim is "to connect villages with main bus routes" where people can then catch onward connections.

Further drop-in sessions are planned on Tuesday in Cottesmore, Exton, Stretton and Clipsham, on Thursday in Greetham, Market Overton and Wymondham, on Saturday 15 March in Thistleton and on Wednesday 19 March back in Oakham.

'Changing network'

A similar on-demand bus service was launched in the neighbouring Melton Mowbray area in January.

The council's transport lead Christine Wise said: "These roadshow events will be a great way for people to learn more about how their local transport network is changing, as well as seeing our new vehicles and asking any questions they may have."

She added information will also be made available online and there will be further roadshows as the rollout continues.

The roadshow will also provide details of the new RZ1 bus which is replacing the existing R2 route, the council added.