The wheels on Ashford’s new minibuses have finally started going round-and-round, following the launch of the new fleet at the weekend.

The Little & Often service run by Stagecoach, which sees 30 Mercedes Sprinter vehicles operating on major routes in Ashford, had its public launch at Ashford Designer Outlet on Saturday.

The launch party included dance performances, and a visit from actress Rita Simons, best known for her role as Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders.

The service began running for the first time on Sunday.

The bus company invested £2.8 million in the vehicles, which have faux leather seats and Euro 6 specification low-noise engines, demonstrating some of the latest clean engine technology.

State-of-the-art ticket machines also allow travellers to pay using contactless credit or debit cards, the first to do so in the South East.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, leader of Ashford Borough Council said: “We know that frequent and well connected bus services help keep car use down.

“This new venture underlines the commitment we have as part of the town’s growth strategy to work in partnership with Stagecoach.

“Faster and more reliable bus journeys, fewer cars, and less pollution is better for everyone in and around our town.

“Ashford Borough Council therefore welcome this positive investment in Ashford’s transport network which is also the sign of another successful business investing in the borough.”

Philip Norwell, Stagecoach South East managing director, said: “We’re always looking for better ways to help people get around town.

“That’s why, working with Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council, we’re introducing little and often.

“What people want is convenience, and that’s what little and often is all about.”

It is hoped that the new service will ease congestion as an alternative to the car.

The new service comes with some key changes to services in Ashford.

Little & Often buses will run from about 6am to 11pm every day, including Sundays and bank holidays.

Three buses an hour on the existing route B from Park Farm will become 10 buses per hour, while Kennington and Willesborough will have up to 12 buses an hour running to and from the hospital.

In addition, bus times on routes A and G will be adjusted and route E will be extended to serve the William Harvey Hospital.

Routes B and C have become Little and Often, and Kennington will be served by route B. These routes will only be operated with the minibuses. Larger buses to cater for the school peak will continue to run.

Route H will no longer run, so use Little & Often route B for buses to Kennington from the town centre and route E for buses to William Harvey Hospital from Kennington.

Route K will no longer run due to very low usage. For buses to William Harvey Hospital from Park Farm, catch a Little & Often route B bus into the town centre and change onto a ‘Little & Often’ route C bus.

For more information about the service and changes, visit the Stagecoach website.

What do you think of the new ‘Little & Often’ minibus service? Email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk or write to 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR.