A new community service has today been launched across Waveney on behalf of Suffolk County Council.

BACT community transport has started their 'Connecting Communities' service – with the contract running for five years.

The service has three parts – The Connecting Bus, Door to Door and Community Car Service – all of which must be booked in advance.

The Connecting Bus is a new flexible minibus service operating across the Waveney area – which must be booked at least a day in advance and is available to everyone.

Fares are similar to those on buses – under 20s have reduced fares and concessionary passes are valid after 9.30am.

The Door to Door service (formerly called Dial a Ride) enables eligible registered members to request transport from their home to their final destination for journeys, between 9.30am and 4pm.

Different areas are served on each day of the week.

The community car service operates up to seven days a week, depending on the availability of volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles.

Anyone may ask to use the service to make journeys for which neither a car, nor public transport, is available.

Phil Mitchell, chairman of Beccles and Bungay Area Community Transport (BACT) said: 'I'm immensely proud of the way in which BACT's staff have stepped up to the challenge of this new contract.

'We have recruited several new administrators and drivers, and we are excited by the enthusiasm within our expanded team.'

Preparations for the launch have involved buying several vehicles, recruiting new drivers and administrators and transferring in Lowestoft volunteers who used to drive for Coastal Accessible Transport Service (CATS).

Waveney MP Peter Aldous added: 'BACT is a shining example of what you can achieve with volunteer drivers, a few hard-working administrators and some dedicated (volunteer) trustees.

'I wish them lots of luck with the Waveney contract.'

To request any service, call 01986 896896 or book at bactcommunitytransport.org.uk.