A CASH boost of £5,000 from Haslemere Town Council is driving Hoppa to continue to offer its vital community transport service for residents.

Hoppa provides a number of scheduled bus routes to popular destinations as well as the door-to-door Ranger service which customers book in advance.

All buses are wheelchair accessible. Many of the service’s customers can no longer drive, have disabilities that prevent them from doing so, or find public transport does not operate in the places they need to go.

A recent survey of Hoppa’s services, which also operate in Farnham, Godalming, Cranleigh and surrounding villages, showed passengers rated the service highly, particularly the quality of customer care.

Haslemere Mayor Sahran Abeysundara said: “We have supported Hoppa for many years through our annual grants scheme.

“The community bus service is highly valued by its customers in Haslemere.

“Changes in local health provision mean it’s really important our residents can get to Frimley Park Hospital, as people suffering strokes are now taken there rather than to the Royal Surrey. For those who can’t drive or use public transport, it’s Hoppa’s Ranger service that many turn to for visiting friends and family.”

Hoppa general manager Steve Forward said: “Although our customers pay towards their journeys, we rely on support such as this grant from Haslemere Town Council to plug the gap.

“We’re a local organisation providing a highly valued service to local people so we’re grateful for the council’s recognition of what we do for the town.

“This grant directly helps people in the town and neighbouring villages.”

• To use Hoppa call 01428 681701 or register at www.hoppa.org.uk.