The Rural Wheels project is run by Cumbria County Council and helps people get around when normal bus and train services are not available.

Cars and minibuses are used to help people reach nearby established bus and train networks.

The scheme uses smartcards, which are being piloted for the Department for Transport, instead of cash.

The scheme has been running in South Lakeland since November 2002. The smartcards are used to pay the 30p a mile charge and can be topped up at libraries and post offices.

'Social inclusion'

Cabinet spokesman for transport Cllr Kevan Wilkinson said: "We need to come up with new and innovative ideas like this to give people in our rural areas the means to get around the county.

"Cumbria County Council is committed to social inclusion and the support of rural transport schemes."

The service will be available Monday to Friday and trips need to be arranged by calling a journey planning service.

The scheme is funded by the county council, Countryside Agency and the Department for Transport.