Cheshire East to launch ‘on demand’ rural bus services

It’s likely to upset taxi firms, already struggling to make up the losses sustained during the pandemic lockdown, but Cheshire East is launching an on-demand rural bus service – guaranteed to punch a hole in the taxi-firms lucrative Manchester Airport runs.

The pilot scheme will cover a wide area south of Nantwich, taking in Bunbury, Wrenbury and Audlem, as well as some other villages, where no commercial services are available – although if deemed successful the scheme could be rolled out across the borough.

Journeys will be booked via a mobile phone app or phone call, with a doorstep pick-up service for less mobile passengers – allowing residents, or group of residents, to request a bus for a specific journey.

The service is not tied to a fixed route or times, “allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours or fixed schedules” the council state. 

Initially, two 16-seater ‘midi’ buses will be available between 7am and 9pm, Monday to Saturday. A third vehicle may operate at peak times, subject to demand. 

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, said: “This is a really exciting and innovative pilot scheme that will make a remote area of our borough more accessible and reduce social isolation for local residents of all ages.

“The council continues to support the fixed-route bus network but we are aware that traditional services are not a convenient method of travel for all residents. This scheme helps address this problem.

“Unfortunately, commercial services are not able to make some rural routes cost-effective. A demand-responsive solution will help enable people of all ages to reach GP surgeries, attend hospital appointments, access further education and training or go shopping.

“This new bus service will help reduce car dependency and a sense of isolation, as well as contribute to the council’s own low-carbon aspirations. We will be monitoring this pilot carefully, as we are optimistic it could offer a way forward for the future of rural bus services in Cheshire East.”

This £1.25m, three-year pilot service will be funded by the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund – following this funding will probably come from Cheshire East coffers.

The ‘go-too’ service starts on Monday 4 October. Tickets will be just £3 for people aged 16 and over or £2 for under-16s and concessions.

For every five journeys taken, users will get the sixth journey free.

Information on how to book the service and which areas are included etc, can be found on the go-too website

Alternatively, ring 0300 123 5103, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.