COMMUTERS in Chagford will have an easier time getting around following the launch of a new 'Fare Car' scheme.

The Fare Car will provide two morning journeys from Monday to Saturday each week from Chagford to Whiddon Down, and three return journeys later in the day. At Whiddon Down, the Fare Car connects with the Western Greyhound 510 or 599 bus service.

The service is designed to run to and from Chagford at times when the direct 173 bus service does not operate, giving passengers travelling to and from Exeter a better choice of journey times.

Like a bus service, the Fare Car has fixed arrival and departure times. Unlike a bus, the car only runs for passengers who have booked their journey in advance.

Pam Stone, clerk of Chagford Parish Council, said: 'The service will help people who can't drive or don't own a car in Chagford to get about. In a rural location like ours, it will be a great service for people.'

Among those in attendance at the scheme's launch on Wednesday, February 27 were Cllr James McInnes, county councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford, and town councillors.

Fare Car is operated by RS Taxis by formal agreement with Devon County Council, receiving financial support from Chagford Parish Council. At the moment the Fare Car is a pilot project, and if successful the parish council will have to look at funding the scheme from their precept.

Each single journey is charged at £3.50 per person. This is a subsidised fare and no further reductions are available, though children under five travel free. The National Bus Pass is not valid on this service.

Leaflets with full timetables and booking information will be in various locations around Chagford.

There may be some changes to the Fare Car timetable on April 15 in response to impending changes to the Western Greyhound bus timetable at Whiddon Down. A new leaflet will be published in good time to show any changes made.

To book a place and for a timetable, call RS Taxis on 01647 279008.