A new itravel on-demand rural bus service will start in your area on Monday, 31 July 2023.

This £1.075m, three-year pilot service has been funded by the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund and commissioned Cheshire West and Chester’s Transport team to improve connectivity and reduce isolation in rural areas of the borough.

This new scheme will cover a wide area including Helsby, Frodsham, Delamere and Acton Bridge as well as other villages, where no commercial services are available.

• The bus service can be booked using a mobile phone app, or phone call, which allows a resident, or group of residents, to request a bus for a specific journey. 

• The service is not tied to a fixed route, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours or fixed schedules, however it will link to train stations to further enhance connectivity for these areas.

• There will be an introductory single £2 flat fare to mirror the Government’s national scheme.  People aged 19 and under can travel half fare.

• Two 16-seater ‘mini’ buses with eye-catching livery will be available between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, with low-floor access.

Bookings can now be taken. More information on how to book and the areas covered can be found on the Council’s website: itravel On Demand – Connecting People and Places | Cheshire West and Chester Council