MUCH better transport links into Okehampton will be provided for residents of Exbourne and Jacobstowe with a new trial Fare Car service operating in the area from next month. In response to comments made in the parish plan questionnaire regarding public transport the new Fare Car service will begin operating on Monday, July 11. A Fare Car is an innovative taxi-style transport scheme. Like a bus service, the car will have fixed arrival and departure times and points in Okehampton. Unlike a bus, Fare Car only runs for passengers who have arranged a journey in advance, and does not run a fixed route. Numbered F12 journeys will arrive in Okehampton at the following times on Mondays to Saturdays (there is no service on Sundays): 0820, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1630, 1730, 1930. Return journeys from Okehampton at: 1010, 1210, 1410, 1630, 1745, 1900, 2230. The fare will be £2.50 per single journey and Tors Taxis will operate the service under contract to Devon County Council. There will be a number of drop-off/pick-up points in Okehampton aimed to cater for different users. These stops are: Market Street bus stop, Okehampton Community Hospital, the Medical Centre, Exeter Road Industrial Estate and Okehampton Railway Station. Passengers need to become a member of the scheme before they use the service. For further details or to request an application form ring Devon Bus on 01392 382800. The service will be running on an experimental basis, funded through the Government?s Rural Bus Challenge scheme. A decision will be made as to whether it becomes a permanent part of the transport network based on the number of people who use the service. Residents are reminded that the existing bus service to Okehampton on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays will continue to operate. The Ring and Ride service is also still available for pensioners and disabled people on Tuesday mornings. Simply ring 01837 55000 giving 24-hours? notice. There is an additional Community Car service available Mondays to Fridays for pensioners and the disabled (provided a driver is available). For further details ring 01837 55000.