REMOTE parts of Cheshire West could soon have an on-demand bus service as the council prepares to launch a new pilot scheme.

The 'itravel' scheme will cover areas of the borough, such as Delamere and Acton Bridge, in which commercial services are unavailable.

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

Cheshire West and Chester Council says 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.

Two 16-seater branded ‘mini’ buses will be 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.

The council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, transport and highways, Cllr Karen Shore said: "This is a really exciting and innovative pilot scheme with bookings now being taken and the service launching on July 31.

"The council continues to support the fixed-route bus network provided by commercial operators but unfortunately, commercial services are not always able to make some rural routes cost-effective. This is an area the council would like to see improve.

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

"The new bus service will help make more remote areas of our borough more accessible, reduce car dependency, connect communities and reduce transport related social 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 west Cheshire."

This £1.075m, three-year pilot service has been funded by the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund.

The ‘itravel’ service will launch at 7am on Monday, July 31, with an introductory single £2 flat fare to mirror the Government’s national scheme. People aged 19 and under can travel half fare.

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

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