Shopper’ bus service in Braintree District wins UK Bus Award

A SHOPPER bus service which offers weekly travel into Saffron Walden has won a national award.

Braintree district’s shopper bus service won joint first prize in the Claudia Flanders Award for Access at the UK Bus Awards in recognition of its good practise in the industry.

The service was launched in April by Essex County Council working in partnership with Braintree District Council Community Transport, parish councils and village agents.

It provides weekly runs into Braintree, Haverhill, Sudbury and Saffron Walden for those who face difficulty accessing local towns from rural areas. Since its launch it has taken over 2000 passengers.

The fully accessible buses work on a ‘hail and ride’ basis with timed stops in the villages and in the destination town. Drivers assist with boarding or leaving the vehicle, and with shopping bags.

For more details about the shopper bus service contact Braintree District Council Community Transport on 01376 327357.