Conservative-led Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has agreed a partnership with the charity Communities First to keep two community bus services afloat.
The council's cabinet is due to hear a report on a deal which involves the Shopper Hopper service - which helps elderly and vulnerable people get to and from the supermarket, and the regular bus service to the Jimmy Macs Centre Lunch Club in South Hatfield.
According to the plan, the service would operate on the same timetable as it did before: from Tuesday to Friday, with bus fares frozen until April 2024. Prices would then increase by £1 per return journey every year from April 2024. The price would be capped at a maximum fee of £6 per round trip.
Executive Member Councillor Fiona Thomson said:
"When we talked to service users it was clear that some people would stop using these important services if our initial proposal went ahead due to the increased costs. We recognise that this service supports users' independence and is valued by those and the families of those that use it. We also know that isolation can lead to physical and mental challenges for people and there is a wider benefit to making sure these services can continue to operate."
More details about the plan can be found on the council's website here: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/article/12804/Council-finds-route-for-future-…
