Council's new on-demand rural bus service goes the extra mile
Cheshire West and Chester Council's new on-demand rural bus service, which aims to improve connectivity in some of the more remote parts of the borough, has proved a big success.
The 'itravel' pilot scheme covers a wide area including Helsby, Frodsham, Delamere and Acton Bridge, as well as some other villages, where no commercial services are available.
In its first few weeks of operation the service has clocked up an impressive 347 journeys with 569 passengers.
The bus service can be booked online, using a mobile phone app, or phone call, which allows a resident, or group of residents, to request a bus for a specific journey.
Passengers select their pick-up and drop off stops when they book and app users receive a confirmation email. Payment can be made by card or cash on the bus.
The service is not tied to a fixed route, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours or fixed schedules, in addition the service will operate to and from train stations to further enhance connectivity for these areas.
Two branded 16-seater mini-buses are available between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, with low-floor access.
If the pilot service is successful, feedback will be used in revisions of the Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan to roll the scheme out to other parts of the borough, dependent on securing the necessary funding.
The Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore, said:
Sophie Kavanagh, who lives in Delamere and uses the service frequently now, said:
Elizabeth Eakin of Frodsham, is also impressed with the service and said:
The 'itravel' service has an introductory single £2 flat fare, rising to £2.50 in November, to mirror the Government's national scheme. People aged 19 and under can travel half fare and children under 5 years travel free.
Information on how to book the service can be found on the Council's website at:
Or make a booking here:
The 'itravel | on demand bus' app is available for both iPhone and android devices from your usual app store.
Alternatively, ring 0330 678 1545, between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday.
This £1.075m, three-year pilot service has been funded by UK Government, Rural Mobility Fund project.
The Council continues to support the fixed-route bus network provided by commercial operators but unfortunately, commercial services are not always able to make some rural routes cost-effective. This is an area the Council would like to see improve.