Expanded itravel on demand bus service launches across rural West Cheshire

An expanded version of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s popular on demand bus service, itravel, launches on Friday 31st August, serving more rural communities across West Cheshire.

Following approval from Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, the service has been secured for a further two years and is now being operated by Diamond Bus (part of the Rotala Group).

Originally launched in July 2023 through funding from the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund, itravel provides flexible, pre-bookable transport for residents in areas where traditional bus services are limited or unavailable.

Unlike conventional bus routes, itravel adapts to passenger journey requests within a defined operating area, helping people access key destinations including town centres, schools, medical appointments, railway stations, leisure facilities and local businesses.

The expanded service continues to operate across its existing area while also reaching additional rural communities, improving transport links and helping residents stay connected to work, education, healthcare and social opportunities.

The service now has increased capacity, with three vehicles available to serve communities including Barrow, Dunham-on-the-Hill, Mickle Trafford, Picton, Stoak, Acton Bridge, Marton, Whitegate, Foxtwist Green, Kelsall, Willington, Mere Bank and Little Leigh, with opportunities for further expansion where operationally viable.

Funded through a combination of Rural Mobility Fund, Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and future Bus Services Fund funding, the service forms part of the Council’s longer-term ambition to improve public transport connectivity across rural parts of the borough.

Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said:

“Friday marks an exciting new chapter for itravel and for public transport across rural west Cheshire.

“Over the past three years, the service has demonstrated the real difference flexible, on demand transport can make to people’s lives. It has helped residents access employment, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to reach.

“We’re delighted that the service is continuing and expanding to serve even more rural communities. By investing in innovative transport solutions such as itravel, we are helping to tackle isolation, improve connectivity and create a more accessible and sustainable transport network for residents across the borough.”

Existing itravel customers do not need to re-register to continue using the service. However, customers should note that the service’s call centre telephone number will change.

Residents can book journeys through the itravel app or by telephone and bookings are open for the new extended service now.

For more information about the service, including operating hours, booking details and the latest service area map, visit the itravel website.