Council’s on-demand rural bus service celebrates its first birthday

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s on-demand rural bus service, which aims to improve connectivity in some of the more remote parts of the borough, is celebrating its first birthday.

‘itravel’ covers a wide area including Helsby, Frodsham, Delamere and Acton Bridge, as well as some other villages, where no commercial services are available.

Since the service began on 31 July 2023 it has clocked up an impressive 11,311 journeys with 15,097 passengers jumping on board.

Out of 4,412 customer service ratings given, 98% of users rate the service five out of five. 

Positive comments received include:

“Amazing, so convenient me and my little one used it for the first time and it was fantastic such a good service connecting villages where buses don't go, amazing little itravel, best transport around.”

“Very good as always - a real godsend to folk without a car.”

“First time and perfect. Hopefully the first of many.”

“Thank you, it makes a huge difference to me being able to get out more, much appreciated.”

“Very friendly and helpful, wonderful service.”

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 operates 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.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said:

“I’m delighted the service has proved such a success.  This demand-responsive solution helps people of all ages to attend medical appointments, travel to work, do the school run, access further education and training or go shopping.

“We’ve had some wonderful comments from happy customers, in total 2,759 people have registered to use the service over the last year.

“It reduces car dependency, connects communities and reduces social isolation, as well as contributing to the Council’s own low-carbon aspirations.  Happy Birthday itravel!”

The itravel service has an introductory single £2 flat fare. 

People aged 19 and under can travel half price and children under 5 years travel for free.

Concessionary pass holders travel Free after 09:30 Monday to Friday and anytime Saturday and Sunday.

Information on how to book the service can be found on the Council’s website at: 

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/itravel

...or make a booking here: 

https://bookings.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/login.

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.

New stops requested by customers over the last year include: Hillcrest Care Home, Brio Leisure, Fox and Hounds Pub, Helsby Library and Community Centre, The Winding Care Home, Helsby Quarry Nature Reserve and Helsby Community Sports Club.

This £1.075m, three-year pilot service has been funded by UK Government, Rural Mobility Fund project.