Westmorland and Furness Council is going The Extra Mile for rural communities around Penrith with the launch of a new flexible, bookable bus service.
The Extra Mile is designed to improve access to public transport in areas where there is not access to a bus service. It is a Digital Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) service that allows passengers to book journeys when they need them, rather than relying on a fixed bus timetable or route.
After a successful launch in and around Ulverston in July, the service will now launch in the Penrith area on Monday 14 September, with bookings open from 7 September.
During the first month of operation in Ulverston, the scheme carried out a total of 367 passenger journeys and more than 500 customers have registered.
Using an app or telephone booking service, passengers can request journeys within the operating area, and the system matches requests together to provide efficient shared transport. This means the bus travels where and when journeys are needed, helping connect rural communities with nearby towns and services.
Funded through the Government's Rural Mobility Fund, the service is designed to help residents access employment, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure opportunities, providing greater flexibility for people who may not have access to regular public transport.
Passengers can book journeys through the app by selecting where they want to be picked up and their destination, and choosing either an “arrive by” or “leave after” time. The system then offers a suitable journey and notifies passengers when the vehicle is on its way. Return journeys can also be booked.
As a special introductory offer, all journeys will be free during the first two weeks of operation, until Sunday 27 September.
The service is intended to connect rural communities with Penrith and surrounding key destinations. It will not be available for journeys entirely within Penrith, where alternative public transport options already exist.
Telephone booking will also be available Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm, ensuring the service is accessible to those who may not wish to use the app.
Cllr Adrian Waite, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Transport, said: "For many people living in our rural villages, getting to work, college, a hospital appointment, the shops or even meeting friends and family can be a real challenge if there isn't a regular bus service available. That's exactly why we're bringing The Extra Mile to the Penrith area.
"This isn't a traditional bus service with fixed routes and timetables. Instead, it's transport that comes when and where people need it. You simply book a journey through the app or by phone and the service works around your plans, rather than expecting you to work around a timetable.
"We've already seen how much demand there is for this type of service. In its first month in the Ulverston area, more than 500 people registered and nearly 400 journeys were made. That's a clear sign that residents value this flexible way of travelling.
"The Extra Mile has the potential to be transformational for rural communities around Penrith. It can help people access jobs, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure opportunities, while also reducing isolation and giving people greater independence.
"I'd encourage everyone who lives in the service area to make the most of the two weeks of free travel, download the app or pick up the phone and give it a try. I think people will be surprised just how easy and convenient it is."
The area included in the Penrith scheme takes in a 15-mile circle from the town centre, bordered by Appleby, Great Asby, Shap Wells hotel, Hartsop, Threlkeld, Millhouse, Highbridge, Moss Cottage, Aiketgate, Newbiggin, Croglin, Gamblesby, Kirkland, Dufton, Keisley and Murton.
The service will operate between 7am and 7pm (Monday to Saturday) and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Telephone booking will also be available between 9am and 3pm (Mon-Fri) to ensure that the service is accessible to all and fully inclusive. Ring 0333 2406965 (choose option 2, then option 4).