Affordable, flexible transport is just a click away. Four state of the art buses have recently arrived to provide an improved, on-demand, flexible transport service serving Taunton and Wellington.
The new Digital Slinky buses are fully accessible, and offer a handy alternative for people needing to get to the shops, work, appointments or social visits if a bus service is not easily available, or they just want to leave the car at home.
The ‘on demand’ buses provide a flexible service with no set route.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said:
The Digital Slinky trial has proven to be a very popular service. We want to make it as simple as possible for people to get around in Somerset.
Our Digital Slinky buses are easy to access, just use the app and book at least an hour before you want to travel. So if there’s no bus nearby, or you just want to leave the car at home, Digital Slinky is a simple, flexible way to get to work, the shops or appointments.
The new buses feature, a low-floor layout for easier boarding, a dedicated wheelchair space, and a double-door entrance with wide access points to better accommodate wheelchair users. They also have on-board driver information, destination displays and ticketing systems to support a more pleasant, comfortable and straightforward journey.
The Slinky app uses existing bus stops and landmarks as pick-up points, to connect people to local places of interest within the operating area – such as the supermarkets, town centres, education and health care services.
For people who can’t get to a designated pick-up point, due to mobility issues, a pick-up can be arranged from home. Bookings should be made by phone 01823 331266 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
The Digital Slinky Service is available in locations near Taunton, Wellington, and across Sedgemoor from Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm (excluding public holidays). A Digital Slinky service is also available in Somerton operating Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm.
A non-digital Slinky Service is also available in Mendip, West and South Somerset.
Residents can register to use Slinky using the following options:
- Download the Slinky app by searching for ‘Slinky’ in your smartphone or tablet’s app store and follow the registration instructions.
- Use the Slinky Booking webpage and select sign up.
- Or, click on the Slinky App quick start guide
Alternatively, residents can register by phone on 01823 331266 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Going on a trip on public transport in Somerset? The Council’s Think Travel portal can help you plan your journey.
