Concerns over plans to replace some bus services in Ketton with an 'on demand' service
Locals in Ketton handed a petition to Rutland County Council this morning aiming to save their regular R5 service
Last updated 30th Jan 2025
There are concerns changes to bus services in Rutland could cause older people to feel more isolated.
It's as locals in Ketton handed a petition to Rutland County Council this morning aiming to save their regular R5 service that runs through the villages between Uppingham and Stamford.
Under current plans the service will be cut back to school times and peak hours only and a new demand response service will be in place for other times.
Mary Cade, parish councillor in Ketton, says people have concerns about the on demand service:
"Just talking to some of the lovely ladies who use the bus regularly.
"They say I'll just hop on a bus to Stamford and it's a real lift for them.
"I think it's really important we look after those sort of people - and I'm not sure that they're going to be very happy with demand response transport and I'm not sure they're going to be able to use it".
Rutland County Council have said:
"While the R5 bus service is changing, it is important to understand that it will still operate as a fixed-route bus service for residents at school and peak times.
"In addition to this, our new on-demand transport service will allow residents in Ketton to get where they need to go from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 6pm on Saturdays, giving them more ability to travel than is currently on offer.
"We are confident that the new on-demand service will be a reliable and effective way for people to get around the county, and residents should not be worried about feeling isolated or cut off.
"Bookings for the new on-demand service can be made with as little as two hours’ notice, before passengers would like to travel. This is needed to allow drivers to plan routes to ensure they get where they need to go as efficiently as possible. These bookings can be made via a smartphone app or with a straightforward phone call.
"We will be promoting all aspects of the new on-demand service in coming months to help residents get ready for the change.