More than 90 per cent of the 300 residents who were surveyed said they preferred the Ting  bus service to regular bus services across Huntingdonshire.

Ting has been running in west Huntingdonshire since October 2021 and operates with no fixed timetable.

Of the people surveyed, a higher percentage of young people, aged under 20, used Ting compared to regular buses, 20 per cent for Ting compared to just three per cent for regular buses.

51 per cent of people aged 21-59 also opted to travel on Ting buses compared to 33 per cent for regular buses.

A higher number of people aged over 60, however, chose to travel on regular buses over Ting, at 63 per cent compared to 19 per cent.  

Although Ting says, they will continue to try and make Ting more attractive to older residents.

The survey revealed people used Ting for commuting to work, education, health services, errands, childcare, government or social services and leisure.

Ting was recently used to take 30 people from Love’s Farm community association in St Neots to Paxton Pits Nature Reserve for a day out, organised by Cllr Lara Davenport-Ray. 

The event was funded by the HDC Health Inequalities Project with the aim to get residents of Love’s Farm, particularly families with financial barriers to get moving and active and enjoy a day out during the school holidays.

Talking about the ‘ambitious bus programme’, deputy mayor of the Combined Authority, Anna Smith, said:  “The results of this survey tie in with the stories that we hear from residents.

"I have, for instance, recently been told about a young mum, living in a remote village, who couldn’t drive because of a recent surgery, but who was able to get out and about because of Ting.

Passengers in West Huntingdonshire could use Ting for day trips, including to the following spots:

•            Hamerton Park Zoo;

•            Grafham Water

•            Buckden Towers

Booking journeys can be done using the app from the App Stores and Apple Stores by searching 'Vectare DRT'. People can also call to book by ringing the booking line on 0115 777 3187.