The council is working with local organisation, Communities 1st, to launch the Watford Shopper Bus Service, which will make shopping trips easier and more accessible for those who need extra support..
From 2 January 2024, any Watford resident facing mobility challenges, social anxiety, or other vulnerabilities, can book the shopper bus to get to local supermarkets across the town. The service is bookable up to three months in advance and costs just £6 per person for a return trip, with an accompanying carer paying only £1 a trip.
The shopper bus will run in Woodside, Meriden, Stanborough, Leggatts, Tudor and Callowland wards on Mondays, taking people to ASDA and Sainsbury’s, whilst on Tuesdays it will cover Nascot, Park, Central, Oxhey, Vicarage and Holywell wards, travelling to Aldi, Lidl and Tesco.
Booking a shopper bus journey is very simple – taking just a phone call to the Communities 1st team 01727 649930 or an email travel@communities1st.org.uk. The team will guide people through a simple registration process (cost to register is £10) and make any bookings.
Elected Mayor, Peter Taylor said: “I am delighted we are able to bring the shopper bus service to Watford, giving people who may need a little extra help a safe and welcoming way to travel to local shops. Communities 1st run similar services in other areas so understand the importance of making sure the Watford service is safe and reliable and can meet the needs of our residents.”
Stephen Craker, Chief Executive, Communities 1st said: “We are looking forward to offering our very popular shopper bus to Watford. Our service caters to individual requirements, ensuring a comfortable and safe shopping experience. We like to think the bus is more than just transport; it's a way to meet new people, engage with your community, and enjoy the simple pleasure of shopping.”
For details of the Watford Shopper Bus see: https://www.communities1st.org.uk/watford-shopper
