The local authority is now considering other community-based transport projects for introduction in the next few months.

The bus service, which is being operated by Strathtay Scottish, will call in at all sheltered housing in the city once a week, and take pensioners to their local shops and other locations.

A special midi-bus, which is fully accessible with space for wheelchairs, has been bought for the service and will join another similar vehicle on the routes.

City council planning and transport convener, Councillor Fiona Grant, was at the launch, along with representatives of Strathtay and the Urban Community Transport Steering Group. She said, “This is yet another tremendous example of how Dundee City Council is attracting Scottish Executive money into the city for the benefit of local citizens.

“This is a simple but highly-effective way of making sure some of our most elderly and vulnerable residents can get out and about in a safe way. This service builds on the excellent work carried out over a number of years by the Dundee Accessible Transport Action Group.”