As featured in the Malton Mercury

A NEW ring-and-ride bus service was launched on Monday for people who do not have access to public or private transport.

RYECAT, the Malton-based community transport provider, is introducing the service to ease pressure on the Ryedale Car Scheme. It will cover Malton, Norton and villages in the Wolds between 9am and 5pm so people can get into town centers for shopping and appointments at doctors, dentists and the hospital.

Ken Watherington, RYECAT manager, said: "We have operated the car scheme for a number of years and recently demand has begun to outstrip resources. As a result, it is becoming more and more difficult to meet the needs of our clients.

"The introduction of the Ring and Ride will improve the transport availability for all of our customers and also reduce the cost of journeys. The service will free up volunteer car scheme drivers to undertake longer, medically-related journeys."

To use the service, which is receiving funding from Ryedale District and North Yorkshire County Councils, residents first need to register with RYECAT on (01653) 699059. When they want to use the service, they should ring the booking line on (01653) 698888 giving 24 hours' notice.