Bus service for festive East Surrey Hospital visits

Councillor Mike Miller said the bus was the only option for some elderly residents

A bus service set up for people to visit their loved ones at East Surrey Hospital has been funded by Reigate and Banstead council.

The authority traditionally helps to fund the service as a goodwill gesture and has made a £300 contribution.

The Metrobus 430 and 435 services, was running between Merstham, Reigate and Redhill and the hospital on Sunday.

Bus firm Metrobus was also running a service linking the hospital with Horley, and also Gatwick in Sussex.

Councillor Mike Miller, transport spokesman, said: "We want to make it easier for families to visit their loved ones in hospital over Christmas, so as a goodwill gesture we traditionally help to fund this bus service.

"Some people will be able to drive but for many, especially elderly residents, the bus provides a valuable means of getting to hospital to spend time with loved ones when they would otherwise be unable to do so."

Normal fares were being charged and bus passes were being accepted on both routes. Full details of the timetables were available on the Metrobus website.