New flexible bus service to launch in Ulverston improving access for rural areas

Westmorland and Furness Council is set to launch a new flexible bus service called The Extra Mile, aiming to improve transport access for rural communities around Ulverston.

The Extra Mile service operates on a Digital Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) model, enabling passengers to book journeys on-demand rather than adhering to a fixed bus timetable or route.

From 20th July, passengers can book journeys using an app or telephone, choosing their pick-up and drop-off locations, and setting preferred times for arriving or leaving. The system efficiently matches requests for shared transport, connecting rural areas with nearby towns and services.

The service's initial operational area includes the Furness peninsula down to Roa Island and Roose, extending to villages such as Stank, Newton-in-Furness, and others. The service will run between 7am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. Telephone booking is available from 9am to 3pm on weekdays.

Funded by the Government's Rural Mobility Fund, The Extra Mile aims to provide greater flexibility for accessing employment, education, healthcare, shopping, and leisure opportunities in areas with limited public transport.

For the first two weeks of operation, until 2nd August, all journeys will be free of charge, encouraging residents to experience the service.

Cllr Adrian Waite, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Transport, highlighted the service's potential to transform connectivity for rural communities, stating it could be a "game-changer" for areas where conventional bus services aren't practical.

Following the pilot in Ulverston, Westmorland and Furness Council plans to introduce a similar scheme in Penrith later this year.

More details on how to download the app and book journeys can be accessed via the official council's channels.