AN INNOVATIVE transport scheme in the Bere Peninsula which provides low cost travel within the area will be given extra momentum when it is officially launched next week.
The Bere Pick U Up scheme began on September 17, but will hold its official launch at 10.30am, on Monday on the quay at Bere Ferrers.
Devon County Councillor Gretta Madigan, said: 'This is an excellent scheme and will be a great benefit to the local community and tourists visiting the Bere Peninsula.
'There are six journeys per day and the taxi will pick people up from their own homes and take them either to Tavistock or within the Peninsula.'
Local resident Sue Painter said: 'The really great thing about this scheme is that the evening journeys will provide young people with the opportunity to go into Tavistock and also the opportunity to book a return trip straight to their front door.'
Borough councillor Christine Grills also praised the scheme for opening up a Sunday link to Derriford.
'It is very difficult for people to get to Derriford from the Peninsula, particularly the elderly and those who do not have cars. By providing a link to Yelverton people can now catch the bus to visit friends and relatives in Derriford,' she said.
The one-year pilot project is funded by the Countryside Agency.
The safe, convenient taxi-sharing service picks passengers up from their homes and takes them to their destination within the peninsula, or to Tavistock and Yelverton.
Trips operate to a set timetable to ensure they do not clash with existing services. The six trips a day service has been scheduled to offer opportunities for travel when buses are not available-including evenings and a Sunday link facility.
The service is already providing a lifeline to elderly people living in the isolated, outlying areas of the parish, who can visit Bere Alston medical practice, and attend meetings in Tavistock.
The Tavistock and District Local Transport Partnership Office require pre-bookings for the licensed car service, with places allocated on a first come first served basis.
The cost for a single trip within the parish is £1, while a journey to Tavistock or Yelverton costs £2.
Further information on the scheme can be obtained from the local transport partnership on 01822 618028.