A new community transport service has begun operating in Farnham, designed to make it easier for residents to get to hospital and medical appointments.
The Hospital hoppa offers door-to-door journeys to Frimley Park Hospital as well as other health centres and GP surgeries, with additional routes into Guildford. Vehicles are fully accessible and the service is open to people living in Farnham and surrounding villages such as Badshot Lea, Upper Hale, Wrecclesham, Rowledge, Frensham, Dockenfield, Tilford and Runfold.
Journeys are priced at £7.50 each way, with a concessionary fare of £2.50 for carers or companions. The scheme provides a much more affordable option than local taxis, and avoids the lengthy and complicated journeys often faced by patients relying on buses.
With Gregory's continued support since August 2024, the initiative has been secured for an initial six-month period thanks to contributions from Farnham Town Council, Waverley Borough Council, The Dempster Trust and Farnham Hedgehogs.
Gregory said:
“This is potentially life changing... as the Hoppa allows [patients] to get to and from appointments quickly.
I have been visiting care homes and spreading the message about the service as many people don’t know about it. What we need is pharmacies, GPs, hospitals and care homes to help people find this service.”
To use the service, residents need to register first, either online at hoppa.org.uk/register or by calling 01428 681701. Once registered, bookings can be made by phone.
Gregory also tried out the new service himself. Constituents can watch his journey on the Hospital hoppa via his Facebook page.
