More than 5,000 passengers have travelled on Rutland's new on demand bus service since it launched in March. 

Rutland County Council has released figures about the number of people who have travelled on the CallConnect service since the shake-up of its bus services. 

Some long-standing timetabled services were scrapped or reduced and the on-demand service, which allows passengers to book from a point close to their home, introduced. 

In March the authority launched its first zone in the north and west of the county, and in August it rolled out the service to the rest of the county. The new service means that 20 villages now have a public transport link for the first time. 

The costs of travel have been free, and this will continue until next spring. Journeys are booked online or by phone. 



Rutland County rolled out the service initially in March, expanding to cross the whole county in August (Photo: LDRS)

Cabinet member for transport, Christine Wise (Lib Dem), said: "We're delighted with how well CallConnect has been received in its first six months. The service is helping people get where they need to go, reducing isolation, and supporting our wider sustainability goals by encouraging shared travel instead of individual car use." 

The council said: "During its first six months, the service has proved particularly valuable for residents in villages and rural communities who previously had limited transport options. Feedback from passengers highlights its convenience and the way it helps connect people to important destinations such as GP surgeries, local shops, schools, and transport hubs." 

The new buses were funded by a government levelling up grant. There will also be a new transport hub on Cold Overton Road next to the Oakham Memorial Hospital. 

Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford Alicia Kearns, who was involved in lobbying for the government cash, said: "I am delighted six months on that our new Rutland bus service has proven such a success. 

 "Thanks to a share of the £23.7 million Levelling Up Funding I secured with the then Conservative-led Rutland County Council, over 5,000 passengers have benefitted from more accessible transport, supporting members of our communities get to work, school, appointments and to see loved ones. 

 "It's fantastic to see so many residents embracing this service, and I'm proud to have delivered on my promise to improve our local transport provision."