HOPPA, Waverley’s community bus service, is celebrating an overwhelming ‘thumbs up’ from its passengers following a recent customer survey.

An astounding 100 per cent of respondents to Hoppa’s survey said they would recommend the bus service, which serves customers in Godalming, Haslemere, Cranleigh and Farnham, to friends and family.

More than 90 per cent and in some cases virtually 100 per cent of customers consistently rated the quality of Hoppa’s services as good or excellent.

This included the politeness of staff and the reliability and promptness of the service.

“My staff and I are absolutely overwhelmed with this positive feedback from our customers,” said Steve Forward, Hoppa general manager.

“We are constantly striving to provide a friendly and reliable service.

“Many of our customers have no other way to get around so it’s important to all of us that when they use hoppa, we are helping to make their lives better by taking them to the places they need and want to go, comfortably and efficiently. It’s reassuring to know that much of what we do helps us achieve that goal.”

Hoppa provides low cost, door-to-door transport as well as a number of scheduled services within Waverley. Residents can register as a member for free.

Many rely on the service because they have mobility difficulties, live in isolated areas, are on a low income or are unable to drive. All the services are wheelchair accessible.

Customers also commented through the survey to explain how the service helps them. A customer who is in their 90s said: “It’s good to have such kind helpfulness from hoppa driver down to the day centre.”

Another said: “Service is excellent. Don’t know how I managed without it,” and one added: “Without this service we would not be able to go out. We are one mile from the buses.”

Many more commented on the excellent reliability and the helpfulness of the drivers.

Most of Hoppa’s customers use the service at least once a week. They use it to get to medical appointments, to shop and to see family and friends.

Steve added: “Seeing the feedback from our customers is a reminder of how important our service is to them.

“We will be scrutinising our survey results further, particularly the comments, to see if we can find ways to improve even more.”