Alexandra residents are making the most of a taxi-like service which started operating when concern was raised following the closure of the town's only taxi business.
Earnscleugh resident and Central Wine Tours owner Connie Crosbie was prompted to make herself and company vehicles available for people who needed transport to places such as the supermarket and doctor.
In August, social service groups in Central Otago expressed concern about people's lack of access to basic facilities without a taxi service in and around Alexandra.
The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Alexandra Council of Social Services, and members were particularly concerned about elderly residents.
Cromwell's sole taxi service had also closed.
Two months on, Mrs Crosbie said people using her business were grateful the service was available.
She said bookings were already being made for Christmas functions and daily work was "picking up".
Mrs Crosbie has a nine-seater van and four-seater car, and is able to accept mobility vouchers subsidised by the Otago Regional Council.
The vouchers enable clients to pay a reduced fare, and the driver to claim reimbursement for the remaining cost from the council, and are popular among the elderly.
