Milton Keynes Council has announced that its new dial-a-bus service will be launching across the city next month.
This demand responsive transport system (DRT) aims to be a "more efficient, cleaner and greener way to get around the city".
The new MK Connect service will start on Thursday April 1st, and will pick up passengers from "close to wherever they are within minutes of booking" and take them to their destination.
Milton Keynes Council says these journeys will not be restricted to bus routes and are expected to be faster than buses in most cases.
Passengers should be collected and dropped off within 400m of their location and destination, although the local authority says this is usually less.
This new service is being run by Via and will replace the subsidised bus services currently paid for by Milton Keynes Council because they are "underused by customers".
A large proportion of passengers use commercial services, as much as 86%, and these will continue to run, being unaffected by the DRT.
Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for Climate and Sustainability, said: “The new MK Connect service will be a more efficient and greener way for people to get around the city.
"As a non-driver and frequent bus user myself, I know that the service in Milton Keynes doesn't work for the majority of people. MK Connect, a partnership with Via, could change that for thousands of people currently let down by routes that don't run where or when they need them.”
Passengers using a wheelchair or who have a disability will be matched with a fully accessible vehicle, and the service is accessible to passengers with vision, hearing and other requirements.
Single journeys cost £3.50 during peak hours (7am-9am, 4.30pm-6.30pm) and £2.50 at all other times; less than equivalent journeys on the former bus routes.
Concessionary bus passes and All in 1 Youth cards will be accepted as well as the MK move pay as you go purse.
Those who are interested in finding out more information about the upcoming changes to bus services can click here.
For more information about MK Connect and how to download the app, click here.
