A NEW on-demand rural bus service has been hailed as 'life-saving' by one of its now regular passengers.

Cheshire West and Chester Council launched its £1.075m three-year pilot 'itravel' scheme in July, which cover areas of the borough, such as Delamere, Acton Bridge and Frodsham, in which commercial services are unavailable.

Funded by the Government's Rural Mobility Fund project, the service has already seen success in its first few weeks of operation, clocking up 347 journeys with 569 passengers.

One such passenger is Sophie Kavanagh, from Delamere, who now uses the service frequently.

She said: “This service has literally been a life saver for me.  I don’t drive but now I have an easy way to drop off my children at school in Frodsham. 

“I have been using the app and I find it really easy to use plus I live right next to one of the stops so it’s perfect for me.

"All the drivers are wonderful and I’m so impressed with the service. It’s made such a difference to me and my family.”

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, which allows for shared trips without lengthy detours or fixed schedules. In addition, the service will operate 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.

If the pilot service is successful, feedback will be used in revisions of the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan to roll the scheme out to other parts of the borough, dependent on securing the necessary funding.

The council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, transport and highways, Cllr Karen Shore said: “I’m delighted the service has proved such a success. 

"I've met with some of the passengers who have used the service and it has made a real difference to communities in rural areas of the borough.

"This demand-responsive solution helps people of all ages to attend medical appointments, access further education and training or go shopping.

"It reduces car dependency, connects communities and reduces transport related social isolation, as well as contributes to the Council’s own low-carbon aspirations."

The ‘itravel’ service has an introductory single £2 flat fare, rising to £2.50 in November, to mirror the Government’s national scheme.  People aged 19 and under can travel half fare and children under five travel free.

Information on how to book the service can be found on the council’s website at: cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/itravel.

Alternatively, ring 0330 678 1545, between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday.