Somerset Council is set to enhance the popular Digital Slinky transport service by acquiring seven new minibuses, reflecting the service’s outstanding success over the past 18 months.
The Digital Slinky offers a demand-responsive, digitally-booked transport option that helps residents in rural and underserved areas access essential destinations such as shops, medical appointments, and other vital trips.
Since its launch in May 2024, supported by central government funding, the Digital Slinky has completed 10,000 journeys across Somerset, demonstrating its value to local communities.
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To further expand the service, the council will invest in six additional wheelchair-accessible diesel minibuses, each with 16 seats. These vehicles will strengthen routes serving Taunton, Wellington, and the former Sedgemoor district, including Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Cheddar, Highbridge, and North Petherton. This purchase will also enable maintenance rotations for existing vehicles without service interruptions.
In addition, a seventh electric minibus will be acquired to support the 30 bus route in Frome, promoting cleaner transport options.
Importantly, the entire purchase is financed by grants from the Department for Transport (DfT), ensuring that local taxpayers will not bear the cost.
Lee Jones, the council’s service manager for transport operations, highlighted the success of a prior Digital Slinky trial in Somerton: “The trial proved to be a tremendous success. The new minibuses feature foldable seats to accommodate wheelchair passengers efficiently, allowing bookings to be managed up to an hour before travel without delays. This flexibility removes previous barriers wheelchair users faced due to vehicle reconfigurations.”
He added that the addition of these seven vehicles will also improve service reliability by allowing for more timely maintenance and repairs.
The Digital Slinky is a key part of Somerset’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which aims to upgrade transport infrastructure, including the new Taunton transport hub, and promote affordable, accessible bus travel such as maintaining low costs for park and ride services.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, said: “Demand responsive transport is vital in a rural area like Somerset. Digital Slinky’s success shows we are providing a vital lifeline to people without easy bus routes or car access. Congratulations to the Somerton and Langport teams for this landmark achievement. Digital Slinky offers a reliable, affordable, and user-friendly option for everyone.”