From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, February 23, 2007

THE improved Fare Car service in the Teign Valley is proving a lifeline for residents since its re-launch last month.

The F14 service is now operated by the Devon Cab Company. Heathfield has been added to the area it serves, which includes Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey and Chudleigh.

The Devon County Council run scheme also offers new peak hour journey times to help commuters, providing routes into the towns before 09:00 and returning after 17:30.

Drop off points include the bus and railway stations and the hospital in Newton Abbot, as well as the library car park, doctors' surgery and hospital in Bovey Tracey, and the doctors' surgery in Chudleigh.

Nearby villages of Ashton, Hennock and Trusham are served at regular times from Monday to Saturday. There are also services on Friday and Saturday evenings to and from Bridford, Christow, Chudleigh Knighton and Doddiscombsleigh, which are ideal for those wishing to visit the countryside or pubs in the Teign Valley as was as for those going into town for the evening.

Devon County Council's Executive Member for Environment Cllr Margaret Rogers said: "It's encouraging that people in the Teign Valley really do appreciate this excellent service. With more convenient times being offered I hope more people make use of it. Fare Cars is vital for people living in rural areas who may otherwise not have access to public transport."

83 year old Trusham resident Joan Hearn has used the service regularly since it launched in 2004. She said: "I couldn't do without it, it's a lifeline. There's no regular bus service through my village and if it wasn't for the fare car I would have to rely totally on friends and family, which isn't always convenient. Otherwise I just wouldn't be able to get out. It's reliable and I can't speak highly enough of the drivers."

Fare Cars is like a bus service operated by private hire vehicles, with fixed arrival and departure times, but passengers have to book their journeys a day in advance. The fare is £1.50 per single journey to and from Bovey Tracey, Chudleigh and Heathfield, and £2.50 to and from Newton Abbot.

For more information call 01392 383481 or to book a place call 01626 354040.

Note for Editors:

Media representatives are invited to a photo opportunity outside Austens in Courtenay Street, Newton Abbot, on Wednesday 28 February at 11:00am. Joan Hearn, Councillor Margaret Rogers and the Devon Cab Company will be available for interview. For more information contact the Press Office on 01392 383262.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Councillor, 01297 680384.