Council on the Ageing (ACT) launched its new free buddy system on Thursday, where elderly Canberrans will be provided with a volunteer to show them how to use the ACT bus system to get around easily.

The service had its first successful trial last month, with volunteer Iven Spicer assisting non-driving senior Jean to use Canberra public transport.

Ms Spicer said she remembered how complicated ACT buses were when she started using them and she wanted to pass on her love of public transport.

She said her time with Jean had been fantastic and she could now quickly and safely travel to Belconnen Mall despite her age and walking frame.

"What she wanted to do was be able to get to the mall, which is only about a nine-minute bus ride, but she just wanted to have that feeling [of security]," she said.

"She didn't want to use community transport because you have to do it at a particular time. She wanted it to be more flexible than that, so we did it together and after a while I said I don't think you need me any more.

"So she's really independent now. It's great."

Shirley Peake, 84, said she signed up for the program because she only recently moved to the ACT from Victoria and did not know how to use Canberra's public transport.

"I do drive, but I'm 84 so I can't drive overnight ... There've been so many accidents with elderly people and I know people are very aware of the dangers of elderly [drivers], so I don't drive more than I have to. But I don't know my way around, of course," she said.

Mrs Peake said the Council on the Ageing was providing a very valuable service that would be of great use to senior citizens.

The travel buddying system will be a first for the ACT although similar systems have been put in place in Sydney, Melbourne and other parts of Victoria.

For more information about the travel buddying system, visit www.cotaact.org.au.